Horticulture Value Chain Development Sector Project (RRP AFG 51039)

Initial Environmental Examination

Project number: 51039-002 July 2018

AFG: Horticulture Value Chain Development Sector Project

Prepared by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock for the Asian Development Bank. This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (As of May 22, 2016)

Currency unit – Afghani (AFN)

AF1.00 = $0.01453

$1.00 = AF68.61

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank

AF – Afghani (currency unit)

AFG – Afghanistan

CEMP – contractor environmental management plan

CWRD – Central and West Asia Department

DAIL – Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock

EA – Executing Agency

EARF – environmental assessment and review framework

EIA – environmental impact assessment

EMP – environmental management plan

EMR – environmental monitoring report

EOP – environment-on-project

ERP – environmentally responsible procurement

EU – European Union

GOA – Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

GRM – grievance redress mechanism

IA – Implementing Agency

ISC – implementation support consultants

IDP – internally displaced person

IEE – initial environmental examination

MAIL – Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

MOF – Ministry of Finance

MRM – midterm review mission

NEPA – National Environmental Protection Agency

OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

PIU – project implementation unit (regional)

ABBREVIATIONS

PMU – project management unit (national)

RSP – representative subproject

SEMP – site environmental management plan

TRTA – transaction technical assistance

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

oC – degrees Celsius

ha – hectare, 10,000 m2

jerib – 0.2 ha

km – kilometer

m – meter

GLOSSARY

Ecosystem – All living organisms and plants in a region and their relationships with each other and their environment (per Afghanistan’s Water Law and Environment Law)

Impacts – Positive and negative, primary and secondary long-term effects produced by a development intervention, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended (OECD 2002)

Outcome – Likely or achieved short-term and medium-term effects of an intervention’s outputs (OECD 2002)

Outputs – Products, capital goods, and services that result from a development intervention; may also include changes relevant to the achievement of an intervention’s outcomes resulting from the intervention (OECD 2002)

Risk – Factors that affect or are likely to affect the successful achievement of an intervention’s objective (OECD 2002)

NOTE

In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.

The Afghanistan calendar year commences on 21 March. The current year is 1395 from 21 March 2016 to 20 March 2017. In 2011, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GOA) changed its fiscal year end to 20 December, three months before the end of the Afghan calendar year.

CONTENTS

PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. I

I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1

A. Purpose of Report ............................................................................................... 1

B. Identification of Project and Project Proponents .................................................. 1

C. Nature, Size, Location, and Importance of Project .............................................. 2

D. IEE Boundaries ................................................................................................... 3

E. Scope of IEE ....................................................................................................... 3

F. Level of Detail and Comprehensiveness ............................................................. 3

G. Structure of Report .............................................................................................. 3

II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ................................................... 4

A. Afghanistan ......................................................................................................... 4

B. ADB .................................................................................................................... 8

C. Environmental Screening and Categories ........................................................... 9

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ..................................................................................... 10

A. Project Justification and Rationale .....................................................................10

B. Project Impact, Outcome, and Outputs ..............................................................10

C. Project Implementation Arrangements ...............................................................11

D. Screening and Categorization of RSPs ..............................................................12

E. Description of RSP Takdana ..............................................................................12

F. Description of RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom) ........................................................15

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................... 17

A. Kabul Basin / Regional Background ...................................................................17

B. Description of Environment – RSP Takdana and RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom) ...22

V. ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................. 34

A. No-project Alternative ........................................................................................34

B. Selection of RSPs ..............................................................................................34

VI. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES .................... 34

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ....................................................................... 36

A. Mitigation Plan ...................................................................................................36

B. Monitoring Plan ..................................................................................................37

VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ..................................... 38

A. RSP IEE Consultation and Disclosure ................................................................38

B. EMP Implementation Consultation and Disclosure .............................................39

C. RSP Construction-Phase Consultation and Disclosure ......................................39

D. RSP Operation-Phase Consultation and Disclosure ...........................................40

IX. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM .............................................................................. 40

X. CLIMATE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT ....................................................... 41

A. Climate Resilience and Mitigation ......................................................................41

B. Basic Project Information ...................................................................................41

C. Summary of Climate Risk Screening and Assessment .......................................42

XI. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 43

A. Project Justification ............................................................................................43

B. Risks and Assurances .......................................................................................43

C. Updating of EMP and Public Consultation/Disclosure Plan During Implementation and Operation ....................................................................................................43

XII. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................. 44

APPENDIX 1: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST, RSP TAKDANA (AGRO - INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS) ........................................................................................65

APPENDIX 2: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST, RSP ARYA KABUL (TABASOM) SUBPROJECT FACILITY ...................................................................................68

APPENDIX 3: EXAMPLE STANDARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD CLAUSES .........................................................................................................71

APPENDIX 4: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SUBPROJECT AREAS .......................................... 75

APPENDIX 5: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS – ARYA KABUL (TABASOM) SUBPROJECT .........................................................................................................................80

APPENDIX 6: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS – TAK DANA SUBPROJECT ................. 85

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Project This initial environmental assessment (IEE) assesses the impacts of two representative subprojects (RSP) of the Horticulture Value Chain Development Sector Project (the project), Afghanistan. The project will enhance horticultural value-chains in key production areas of Afghanistan. It will improve horticulture value chain and develop national capacity for horticulture export expansion and import substitution.

RSP activities with the potential to cause environmental impacts are:

• Construction site clearance and preparation

• (Re)excavation of foundations and borrow pits

• Management and disposal of excavation spoil

• Temporary blockage of roads

• Use of temporary construction access roads

• Sourcing construction materials from existing quarries and/or quarrying of such materials

• Creation of on-site stockpiles of construction materials

• Creation and disposal of solid waste

• Operation and maintenance of vehicles and equipment

• Creation of reinforced concrete structures

• Storage of fuel and lubricants

• Installation of cooling equipment with potential to release greenhouse gases

• Over-exploitation of ground water resources.

The project is classified category B for environment. The Executing Agency is the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Implementing Agency is the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL).

The report assesses two RPSs and is therefore named a ‘Consolidated Initial Environmental Examination.’

Project Impact, Outcome, and Outputs

Impact: Increased per-capita income and reduced poverty in the agricultural and horticultural sector.

Outcome: Increased production and marketing of horticultural products, balanced economic growth, stability, and economic empowerment of women and men.

Outputs:

1. Horticulture value chain and facilities improved. 2. National capacity developed for horticulture export expansion and

import substitution.

Environmental Due Diligence

Initial Environmental Examination Environmental Assessment and Review Framework

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Environmental Impacts and Environmental Management Plan

The subprojects have site specific impact since an implicit least-cost analysis of a set of eligibility and prioritization criteria was used for subproject selection. Criteria included ‘No significant potential environmental impact as outlined in the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009)’ - more specifically, GOA (Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) category 1 subprojects, and category 2 subprojects for which the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) requires an environmental impact assessment (EIA), are excluded from project financing as are ADB category A subprojects – and ‘not in an environmentally protected area.’

In addition, the works are medium-scale and along the rights of way so any negative impact is site specific. One important impact for the two representative subprojects is the sealing of the surface. This can be mitigated by planting of trees close to the facilities.

Construction. The potential construction-phase impacts and corresponding mitigation / management measures are:

• Impact: Loss of landscape, viewshed value, and minor habitat value due to construction of cooling and storage facilities and sealing of surface and soil.1 Management: Tree plantation of native species will be identified in consultation with the owner. If agreed, this will be on the property of the owner. Plantation will be undertaken by the civil works contractor. This will be a contract requirement.

• Impact: Temporary disruption blockage of vehicle, pedestrian, and livestock movement. Management: The civil works contractor will provide temporary roads/paths if required. This will be a contract requirement.

• Impact: Water pollution and erosion from improperly managed excavation spoil. Management: The contractor will select and manage spoil disposal sites to avoid adverse impacts. Prior approval from the PMU on the selection of spoil sites will be undertaken. Alternatively, excavation spoil will be used for landscaping. This will be a contract requirement. The Project Management Unit (PMU) will ensure such spoil sites have been selected with community agreement.

• Impact: Landscape disruption (impacts on topography) from excavated pits and trenches left unfilled post-construction. Management: The contractor will fill in pits and trenches. This will be a contract requirement.

• Impact: Impacts to cultural resources could occur due to unexpected discoveries in the construction process. Management: Contract provisions will state that: "In the event of unanticipated discoveries of cultural or historic artifacts (movable or immovable) in the course of the work, the contractor shall take all necessary measures to protect the findings and shall notify the PIU representatives”.

• Impact: Routine construction-phase impacts (dust, noise, vibrations, air pollution, liquid and solid waste generation, occupational health and safety). Management: Tenders include standard construction contract environmental safeguard clauses (Appendix 3) that require

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bids to include environmental management plans (EMP); construction supervision tracks EMP implementation.

• Impact: Impact on fauna. There will be no direct impact on fauna.

• Impact: Impact on protected areas will be zero as one of the selection criteria is that no subprojects are to be located in or in the vicinity of protected areas.

• Impact: Impact on socio-economic environment. There will be a positive impact on work availability due to the need for temporary construction staff from the local area during the construction period. Temporary water supply distribution problems will be negligible. Health and safety aspects of construction will be mitigated by the construction contractors. There will be no impact on any public infrastructure such as transmission lines, power lines.

Operation. The main potential subproject operation impacts are:

• Environment-on-project (EOP) impacts: of climate variability on ground water resources. Management: water authorities shall observe the ground water level and supervise water abstraction.

• Impact: Impact on fauna. There will be no direct impact on fauna.

• Impact: Impact on protected areas will be zero as one of the selection criteria is that no subprojects are to be located in or in the vicinity of protected areas.

• Impact: Release of greenhouse gases will be mitigated by regular maintenance of cooling equipment

• Impact: Impact on ground water resources. This impact will be mitigated by seasonal and limited consumption of water for washing of fruit

• Impact: Impact on socio-economic environment. Impacts will be positive due to a reduction in poverty from improved farm incomes, and an increase in work availability due to an increase in farm labor requirements.

Main Environmental Risks and Assurances

Risk: Security and governance issues. Assurance: Subprojects selected in more secure areas. Sustained engagement of project proponents with local government and communities. Strengthening of local institutions.

Risk: Occurrence of low-frequency, large-magnitude EOP impact events during subproject operation that damage new/rehabilitated infrastructure. Assurance: Availability of government and donor post-disaster relief and rehabilitation support to affected communities.

Conclusion Residual adverse impacts of the two assessed RSPs are not expected to be significant after the implementation of feasible environmental management measures. Therefore, this IEE is the completed environmental assessment of these RSPs and will be included in MAIL’s application to NEPA for RSP environmental clearance. Determination by

1 Impacts of the removal of trees on tree users are addressed by the RSPs’ Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plans

(LARPs).

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NEPA that an EIA is required for an RSP renders that RSP ineligible for project financing.

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose of Report

1. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been prepared for two representative subprojects (RSP) of Output 1 of the Horticulture Value Chain Development Sector Project (the project), Afghanistan. The project is classified as ADB environmental category B. Category B projects require environmental assessment in the form of an IEE. The IEE findings are then used to determine if an EIA is needed. If it is not, the IEE becomes the final environmental assessment report.

B. Identification of Project and Project Proponents

2. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (Afghanistan) is one of the least developed countries in the world. In 2016, its poverty rate was 39% while 33% of inhabitants were considered food insecure. Between 2011–2016, the average per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was $630, ranking Afghanistan 168th of the 183 countries reported by World Bank. Agriculture is Afghanistan’s major source of livelihood, employing 62.2% of the national workforce of 10.9 million people in 2017 and contributing 21.9% of the national GDP with sector value-addition of $4.1 billion in 2016. Historically, the sector was a significant source of foreign exchange because of its unique agro-climatic conditions. Of total export earnings of $771 million in 2016, export earnings from agriculture are estimated at $375 million, accounting for 48.6%. Export earnings from fruit and vegetables alone amounted to $331 million (42.9% of total exports).

3. Within the agricultural sector, horticulture has been a major contributor through the production of a wide array of crops, unique varieties, and an extended range of maturity periods, providing a strong comparative advantage on export markets. Licit horticulture crops are grown on 360,000 ha (that includes 14% of the total irrigated area) generating $1.6 billion equivalent annually, representing 34% of agricultural GDP. Labor requirements for production and harvesting are the equivalent of 200,000 full-time jobs (seasonal income for about 2 million people). Many horticultural crops (both annual and perennial) provide a good source of revenue for commercial farmers compared with alternate crops to the extent that they are widely promoted by government and development partners as an alternative to poppy cultivation.

4. The project proponents are the GOA and ADB. The project Executing Agency (EA) is the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The Implementing Agency (IA) is MAIL. Project provinces number 11 in the more secure provinces of Afghanistan.2

5. The project will also assist MAIL in preparing and implementing (i) national marketing and branding strategies, and (ii) strategic crop diversification strategies considering both export promotion and import substitution to increase export of horticulture products to more export destination other than India and Pakistan, and to reduce imports of processed horticulture products.

6. The project is estimated to cost $118.67 million. ADB will finance $75 million from its Special Funds resources (Asian Development Fund [ADF] grant) and agro-business enterprises

2 Project provinces include Bamyan, Ghazni, Kabul, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangahar, Paktika, Paktya and

Wardak. They were identified based on the statistics of existing horticulture crop production of both import substitution and export expansion that were concurred by the government during the project design. Together, these provinces account for 26% of the national planted area of fruit and 21% of the national area of vegetables or 22% of horticultural production.

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will contribute $38 million and affiliated farmer beneficiaries will contribute $5.05 million through labor and local materials as appropriate.

C. Nature, Size, Location, and Importance of Project

1. The Project

7. In agriculture, horticulture has always been an important asset of the Afghan economy, due to its diverse climates, relatively good soils and reasonable availability of water. These allow for a large spectrum of crops which have outstanding varieties, long and staged harvest periods, and strong comparative advantage for export. Traditionally, a major contributor to Afghanistan’s economy and exports, the horticulture sector has fully recovered after 16 years of reconstruction and redevelopment since 2000. The production of licit horticulture crops extends on 360,000 ha, 14% of currently irrigated land. With a total contribution of $1.6 billion, it represents 34% of the agricultural GDP, or 6.7% of total national GDP. Production and particularly harvest require nearly 200,000 full-time equivalent jobs, thus providing seasonal income to about 2 million people. For farmers engaged in commercial production, many horticulture crops provide a good source of revenue compared with other agricultural crops—to the extent that they were largely promoted by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (the Government) and development partners as a potential alternative to poppy production.

8. In terms of major horticulture crops, grapes generate by far the most income of any crop in Afghanistan, with nearly $150 million in revenue for fresh grapes and $280 million for raisins. Almonds bring $120 million to the Afghan economy and pomegranates, in the order of $100 million. These products are largely exported. Vegetables are destined more for the domestic market, represent a total value of $475 million. About a third of Afghanistan’s horticulture crops are exported, mainly to India and Pakistan; although a significant share of raisins is exported to the Russian Federation. Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Central Asian countries are also regular importers of Afghan crops. High-value crops such as saffron, licorice, and asafetida, although minor compared with other crops, are exported to high-paying markets such as Western Europe and North America.

9. The importance of the project is in its impact on the well-being of urban communities, and in its support for Afghanistan’s sector investment plan, National Horticulture Development Program.3

2. Representative Subprojects

10. The two representative subprojects (RSPs) assessed by this IEE are RSP Takdana Fruit Pack House and Cool-room (Takdana) and RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom) Fruit Pack House and Cool-room [Arya Kabul (Tabasom)]. Subprojects will be identified in accordance with the agreed eligibility criteria. If there are instances where land acquisition will be required for the subproject, provisions detailed in the land acquisition and resettlement framework (LARF) will be triggered, the safeguard categorization will be upgraded and subproject land acquisition and resettlement plans (LARPs) will be prepared according to the provision of the LARF.

11. Subprojects will be proposed by interested agro-business enterprises (ABEs) that include traders, wholesalers, processors and exporters that wish to improve linkages with farmers and farmer groups to increase the supply and quality of horticultural produce. The project will support eligible ABEs to enhance their value addition. It will also support on-farm investments to increase

3 Though the plan’s nominal three-year period has concluded, the plan remains in place with elements still in need of

financing.

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production and quality thereof for those farmers linked to the ABEs as current or potential suppliers, through on-farm subprojects.

D. IEE Boundaries

12. The boundaries of the IEE study are:

(i) civil work command areas on the properties of the ABEs;

(ii) construction site and adjacent areas for assessment and management of construction impacts; and

(iii) potential quarry sites and adjacent areas for assessment and management of quarrying impacts.

E. Scope of IEE

1. Methodology

13. The IEE was drafted for, and in coordination with MAIL in June 2018 during the project transactional technical assistance (TRTA). The national environmental specialist visited both sites for the subprojects where he conducted consultations with the relevant stakeholders.

2. IEE Information Sources and Limitations

14. The environment specialist engaged by the PMU for project implementation will review and revise this IEE and any associated environmental management plan (EMP) as that are to be prepared for all environment category 2 subprojects that are to be included as part of the Subproject Investment Report for consideration by the project evaluation committee.

F. Level of Detail and Comprehensiveness

15. The level of detail and comprehensiveness of an environmental assessment should be commensurate with project complexity and the significance of its potential impacts and risks. This IEE identifies and focuses on the limited potential impacts and risks of the two RSPs. As the RSPs do not have a broad range of potential significant impacts and risks, a broader assessment of direct, indirect, cumulative and induced impacts, has not been undertaken.4

G. Structure of Report

16. The remainder of this report consists of the following sections:

(i) Policy, legal, and administrative framework (ii) Description of the project (iii) Description of the environment (iv) Anticipated impacts and mitigation measures (v) Environmental management plan, i.e. mitigation plan and monitoring plan (vi) Public consultation and information disclosure (vii) Grievance redress mechanism (viii) Climate risk assessment and management (ix) Findings and recommendations (x) Conclusion

4 ADB (2012). Environment safeguards, a good practice sourcebook, draft working document. Para. 29.

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II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

A. Afghanistan

1. Legal System

17. Constitutional articles pertaining to environmental management are:

• Article 40 [Private Property] 1. Property is immune from invasion. 2. No person shall be forbidden from acquiring and making use of a property except

within the limits of law. 3. Nobody's property shall be confiscated without the provisions of law and the

order of an authorized court. 4. Acquisition of a person's property, in return for a prior and just compensation

within the bounds of law, is permitted only for securing public interests in accordance with the provisions of law.

5. Inspection and disclosure of a private property are carried out only in accordance with the provisions of law.

• Article 51 [Compensation] 1. Any person suffering undue harm by government action is entitled to

compensation, which he can claim by appealing to court. 2. With the exception of situation stated in the law, the state cannot claim its right

without the order of an authorized court.

• Article 15 [Environment] The state is obliged to adopt necessary measures for safeguarding forests and the environment.5

2. International Environmental Agreements

18. The Constitution binds the state to abide by the UN charter, international treaties, international conventions that Afghanistan has signed, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 7).6

19. International agreements relevant to environmental management of water resources development to which Afghanistan is a party are (listed in order by the year in which each came into force):

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1975) – international cooperation to control trade in species threatened with extinction or in danger of becoming so; in species whose trade interferes with regulation of trade in extinction-threatened species; and, in species identified by a Party under national-level trade control to prevent/restrict exploitation, for which international cooperation is needed.

5 Constitution of Afghanistan (2004). English translation retrieved 21 Mar 2016 from

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Afghanistan 6 This Article, unambiguous as it may appear, however leaves open to interpretation many aspects of the incorporation

and compatibility of international law with Afghan domestic law. See for example: Galland, M., Berquist, E., Handler, S. G., Reed, N., Sulmeyer, M. (2011). An introduction to international law for Afghanistan. Afghanistan Legal Education project (ALEP) at Stanford Law School. Retrieved from https://www-cdn.law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Intro-to-International-Law-for-Afg.pdf

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• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also called Convention on Migratory Species, CMS, and the Bonn Convention, 1983) – conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their ranges.

• UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1993) – objectives were to conserve biological diversity; promote sustainable use of biological diversity; and (iii) seek more fair and equitable sharing of the benefits genetic resource utilization.

• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1994)– stabilize greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels that will not change the climate system in dangerous ways.

• UN Convention to Combat Desertification (1996) - combat desertification and mitigate drought effects in countries experiencing serious drought or desertification.

• Kyoto Protocol (2005) – extended the Convention on Climate Change.

20. In addition, Afghanistan has signed but not ratified:

• UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970) – protect cultural property against theft and promote restitution of stolen items.

• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1975) – promote conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1992) – reduce movements of hazardous waste between nations, prevent transfer of such waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs); minimize waste amounts and toxicity; promote environmentally sound management at or near generation sites; assist LDCs in environmentally sound management of their wastes; does not address radioactive waste.

• Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures for the Siberian Crane (1993) – protect the species through concerted, coordinated actions to prevent disappearance of remaining populations.

• UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects (1995) – attempts to fill gaps in the UNESCO convention by making the final owner of a stolen cultural item who cannot show due diligence responsible for restitution.

• UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2006) – safeguard, ensure respect for, and raise awareness at local, national, international levels, and provide for international cooperation and assistance.

3. National Legislation, Policies, and Regulations

a. Environmental Management

21. Environment Act (2007) sets forth national administrative roles and coordination with provincial authorities; establishes management frameworks for natural resource conservation, biodiversity, drinking water, pollution control, and environmental education; and defines enforcement tools.7

22. National Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (2007) follows on from the Environment Law and sets forth a policy vision, principles, strategy, and process for environmental assessment in Afghanistan. The emphasis is on ensuring that projects with potentially significant impacts are identified to the national environmental regulator, NEPA, and

7 Taylor, D. A. (2006). Policy: new environment law for Afghanistan. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(3).

Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392251/

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follow adequate due diligence procedures. The document provides a range of additional useful information on NEPA and environmental assessment in the Afghanistan context.

23. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Official Gazette No. 939 (Mar 2008). Schedule I that list project types likely to have significant impacts (category 1) or potentially adverse impacts (category 2); and the industries likely to give rise to pollution. Schedule II provides the clearance certificate application form.

24. Administrative Guidelines for the Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (Jun 2008). These guidelines were prepared as a companion to the 2008 Regulations, to guide proponents on interacting with the National Environmental Protection Agency, on public consultation, and roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.

25. Water Law (2009). The Water Law states that water is owned by the public and that Government is responsible for water protection and management. It assigns responsibilities to government institutions for management and protection of water resources, water ownership, and regulates water ownership fees, rights, permits, and usage.8

26. Law on the Protection of Historical and Cultural Properties, Issue No. 828 (2004). After defining the material falling within its scope, the law sets forth the State’s interest and rights in such materials, specifies prohibited and regulated activities involving such materials, and establishes enforcement measures such as penalties and fees.

27. Pesticide Regulations (1989). Afghanistan has had pesticide regulations since 1989, but they have never been enforced due to lack of resources.9 A draft Pesticide Law dating from 2009 has yet to be enacted.

b. Public Consultation

28. The Environment Law (2007), Article 19, provides a legal framework for public consultation during environmental assessment:

Article 19. Public participation

1. Affected persons may express their opinion on a proposed project, plan, policy or activity, preliminary assessment, environmental impact statement, final record of opinion and comprehensive mitigation plan, before the approval of the project, plan, policy or activity, and the proponent must demonstrate to the National Environmental Protection Agency that affected persons have had meaningful opportunities, through independent consultation and participation in public hearings, to express their opinions on these matters on a timely basis.

3. The National Environmental Protection Agency shall not reach a decision on any application for a permit until such time that the proponent has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the National Environmental Protection Agency that the proponent has distributed copies of the document to affected persons, informed the public that the document is being made available for public review by advertising the document and

8 Ahmad, T. (2013). Legislation on use of water in agriculture: Afghanistan. Retrieved from

http://www.loc.gov/law/help/water-law/afghanistan.php 9 USAID Afghanistan. (2008). Afghanistan Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP). Retrieved from

http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnadm436.pdf

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displaying a copy of it for inspection, and convened and recorded the proceedings of a public hearing.

4. After the National Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the conditions set forth in item 3 above, the National Environmental Protection Agency shall reach a decision and inform the public of that decision and make available any relevant documentation or information for public review.10

c. Information Disclosure

29. In December 2014, the Access to Information Act was signed by the President of Afghanistan. It has four objectives:

• To ensure the right of access to information for all citizens from the government and non-government institutions

• To observe article 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [ie freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds etc.] [consistent with the tenets and provisions of Islam; Article 3, Afghanistan Constitution].

• To ensure transparency and accountability in the conduct of governmental and nongovernment institutions.

• To organize request processing and provision of information.

4. National Environmental Regulator and Proponents’ Environmental Management Capacity

a. National Environmental Protection Agency

30. First established in 2003 with the assistance of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), in 2007 NEPA was formally recognized in the Environment Law. In 2015, NEPA had a staff of 850 and was active in each of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.

31. NEPA is responsible for environmental policymaking and is the national environmental regulatory agency. NEPA areas of work include oversight of the environmental impact assessment process and support for climate change adaptation, pollution control, and sustainable development.11

b. Ministry of Energy and Water

32. The Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) is responsible for national water resources planning including basin planning; collection and analysis of hydrometric data; multipurpose dam/reservoir development; and the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of water conveyance works (headworks and primary canals). MEW is represented the sub-national level by River Basin Agencies and Sub-basin Agencies. MEW has no organizational units or line staff specifically assigned to environmental planning, assessment, and management.

33. In 2011, MEW was reorganized along basin and sub-basin boundaries with business units focused on regulatory and management functions.

10 Unofficial English translation. 11 UNEP helped to establish Afghanistan’s NEPA. (2015, January 16). Retrieved from

http://capacity4dev.ec.europa.eu/unep/blog/unep-helped-establish-afghanistans-national-environmental-protection-agency-nepa

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c. Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock

34. With regard to irrigation, MAIL is responsible for on-farm water management at the secondary- and higher levels in all irrigation schemes. MAIL has no organizational units or line staff specifically assigned to environmental planning, assessment, and management.

B. ADB

1. Policies

35. Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). SPS 2009 is ADB’s safeguards policy document. It describes the common objectives and policy principles of ADB's safeguards and outlines the delivery process for ADB's safeguard policy. It promotes sustainability through protection of people and the environment from the adverse impacts of projects, and by supporting the strengthening of country safeguard systems. It presents a consistent, consolidated framework for environment, resettlement, and indigenous people safeguards.12

36. ADB Operations Manual, Safeguard Policy Statement, Section F1/BP [Bank policies] and Safeguard Review Procedures, Section F1/OP [operational procedures] (2013). These documents operationalize SPS 2009. The policy sets forth the scope of SPS 2009 applicability to ADB operations, and the procedures describes the safeguards process and outputs, including consultation and disclosure requirements, through the various stages of project preparation.

37. Public Communications Policy (2011) guides ADB’s efforts to be transparent and accountable to the people it serves, which it recognizes are essential to development effectiveness. The policy recognizes the right of people to seek, access, and impart information about ADB’s operations, and it aims to enhance stakeholders’ trust in and ability to engage with ADB, through proactive disclosure, presumption in favor of disclosure, recognition of the right to access and impart information and ideas, country ownership, limited exceptions, and the right to appeal.

2. Guidance

38. Environmentally Responsible Procurement (2007). provides guidance to ADB staff, consultants, and executing agencies on environmentally responsible procurement, defined as “a systematic approach to the purchase of goods and services that are thought to be less damaging to the environment than other goods and services that serve the same purpose,” specifically, products that “reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, limit toxic by-products, contain recycled content or are reusable, and are produced with the least environmental impact…[and] services…that help improve the environment, are rendered with minimum environmental and social impacts, and use resources and energy efficiently.”

39. Complaint Handling in Development Projects - Grievance Mechanisms: A Critical Component of Project Management (2010). This document presents definitions, concepts, rationale, and history relevant to the ADB project grievance redress mechanism.

40. Complaint Handling in Development Projects - Building Capacity for Grievance Redress Mechanisms (2010). This document presents a framework and practical suggestions for building the capacity of an organization to manage an effective grievance redress mechanism.

12 ADB (n.d.). Safeguard Policy Statement [webpage] http://www.adb.org/documents/safeguard-policy-statement

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41. Environment Safeguards, A Good Practice Sourcebook (2012). This draft working document aims to add clarity, provide technical guidance, and recommend good practices in SPS (2009) implementation. It updates the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (ADB 2003).

42. Selected References for Good Practice in Environmental Safeguards Implementation (2014). This internal Central and West Asia Department document presents internet hyperlinks to exemplary environmental safeguards documents (IEEs, EIAs, EARFs, etc.) prepared for projects in these countries.

C. Environmental Screening and Categories

1. ADB

43. ADB water resources projects and subprojects are screened using a rapid environmental assessment checklist for irrigation projects (Appendices 1, 2, and 3 contain checklists filled out for the three RSPs; see paras. 62 and 63). This checklist captures the type; location, sensitivity, scale, nature, and magnitude of potential environmental impacts; and availability of cost-effective mitigation measures. Based on the checklist findings, the project or subproject is assigned to one of the following ADB environmental categories:13

• Category A – likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An EIA, including an environmental management plan (EMP), is required.

• Category B – potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE), including an EMP, is required. Both subprojects were categorized as B. Impacts are limited and can be mitigated on site. An IEE report has been prepared accordingly.

• Category C – A proposed project is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. An EIA or IEE is not required, although environmental implications need to be reviewed.

44. The category of a project is determined by its most sensitive component (output). Outputs 1 and 2 of this project define it as category B.

45. Subprojects assigned to category A for the environment are excluded from project financing.

2. Government of Afghanistan

46. As set forth in the 2008 EIA Regulations, a project or subproject is assigned to one of the following environmental categories:

• Category 1 – likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented, and affects an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works.

• Category 2 – if its potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, forests, grasslands and other natural

13 ADB (n.d.) Safeguard categories. http://www.adb.org/site/safeguards/safeguard-categories

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habitats) are less adverse than those of category 1 projects. These impacts are site-specific, and few are irreversible.

47. In addition, EIA Regulations Schedule I lists project types that are automatically assigned to these two categories. Category 1 and 2 projects must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from NEPA prior to starting construction. Certificate applications consist of a screening report and the application form in EIA Regulations Schedule 2.

48. The regulations state that a proponent intending to undertake multiple projects in a particular area should prepare a single screening report and assign the environment category appropriate to the projects’ collective potential environmental impacts. Separate screenings are unacceptable.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A. Project Justification and Rationale

49. The project will help enhance the horticulture value chain in key high-value production zones in Afghanistan. Using the sector modality, items eligible for financing under the project will include, but not limited to, (i) establishment and/or rehabilitation of horticulture processing and packing facilities, (ii) on-farm and community storages for potatoes and onions, (iii) greenhouses with drip fertigation systems, and (iv) intensive orchard development.

50. The project will also assist MAIL in preparing and implementing (i) national marketing and branding strategies, and (ii) strategic crop diversification strategies considering both export promotion and import substitution to increase export of horticulture products to more export destination other than India and Pakistan, and to reduce imports of processed horticulture products.

B. Project Impact, Outcome, and Outputs

51. The project’s intended impact, outcome, and output are described here, with details of their activities and approximate costs.

52. Impact and Outcome The project is aligned with the following impact: balanced economic growth, stability, and economic empowerment of women and men.14 The project will have the following outcome: production, marketing, and value addition of horticultural produce increased.

53. Output 1 – Horticulture value chain and facilities improved. This output focuses on subprojects at two levels – for ABEs and for affiliated farmers supplying goods to these ABEs:

54. Eligible subprojects for ABEs include: (i) pre-cooling rooms (static and mobile); (ii) pack house, sorting or grading buildings and equipment; (iii) cold storage (controlled atmosphere) facilities; (iv) processing equipment, machinery to extend processing capacity; (v) quality control testing equipment/laboratory; (vi) introduction of HACCP and good manufacturing practices into processing facilities; and (vii) tissue culture laboratory (potatoes, clonal root-stock and micro-propagation). Eligible subprojects for affiliated farmers include: (i) modern greenhouses; (ii) planting material (potato, onion, tomato, and cucumber seeds, clonal root-stock, and high-density certified saplings); (iii) trellising (for grapes and high-density orchards); (iv) on-farm storage for onions and potatoes; (v) on-farm processing (e.g. ‘kishmish khanas’), drying, grading and sorting

14 MAIL. 2016. National Comprehensive Agriculture Development Program 2016-2020. Kabul.

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equipment; and (vi) on-farm water sources and distribution facilities (such as storage ponds, rain-harvesting, drip pipeline).

55. Output 2 – National capacity developed for horticulture export expansion and import substitution. This output provides resources and enhanced capacity for MAIL, departments of agriculture, irrigation and livestock staff, ABE employees and affiliated farmers. Financing is proposed for:

(i) adaptive research to demonstrate the benefits from introduced varieties and modern production technologies and applying these under local conditions;

(ii) the certification process for quality and grading standards to provide quality assurance to buyers through the introduction of international quality standards in processing facilities, and

(iii) the promotion of national marketing/branding strategies for uniquely Afghani horticultural produce to establish an internationally recognized brand with associated quality on higher priced markets.

56. This output will be achieved through the provision of resources for studies and institutional development combined with technical expertise for branding in a competitive commercial / international environment.

C. Project Implementation Arrangements

1. Project Management Unit

57. One PMU will be established within the Kabul headquarters of MAIL to assume responsibility for implementation of the project on behalf of MAIL. The permanent staff for this PMU will include an environmental officer to assist in the preparation of Subproject Investment Reports and to monitor observance of environmental plans that are prepared for subprojects.

2. Project Implementation Units

The PMU will establish five regional Project Implementation Units (PIUs) in Bamyan, Ghazni, Kabul, Nangarhar, and Paktya to be established within the DAIL provincial offices in these regional centers.

3. Implementation Support Consultants

58. Implementation Support Consultants (ISCs) will be recruited to assist MAIL’s PMU in the preparation of Output 1 subproject investment reports that include environmental safeguards review – in this case, for the establishment of a packing shed and associated washing/grading and packaging equipment. The national PMU will include a national environment specialist who will screen and categorize these subprojects; prepare IEE-EMPs for category B subprojects; and prepare environmental summaries for category C subprojects. The environment officer will also advise, assist, and train the PIU staff and construction supervisors as required to implement EARF environmental safeguards during bidding, contracting, and environmental procurement, and to implement the subproject EMP during construction and operation.

4. Implementation Consulting Services

59. Implementation consulting services (ICS) will be contracted to provide technical advice and assistance to MAIL PMU and PIUs. With regard to Output 2 MAIL- National capacity

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developed for horticulture export expansion and import substitution - an environment safeguards specialist appointed to the PMU will provide training and support to PMU/PIU staff to (i) screen and categorize the subprojects; (ii) prepare an environmental summary for each category C subproject;15 (iii) prepare an IEE-EMP for each category B subproject; and (iv) advise, assist, and train MAIL PMU and PIUs in implementing environmental safeguards responsibilities tasked to them in the EARF and subproject IEE-EMPs. These responsibilities include (i) implementing environmental safeguards during bidding, contracting, and environmental procurement, (ii) monitoring and supervision of subproject mitigation and monitoring during subproject construction and operation, and (iii) oversight of public consultation, disclosure, and grievance mechanism activities.

5. ADB Review Missions

60. ADB will conduct review missions twice annually during the first two years of project implementation to:

(i) assess implementation effectiveness and propose any necessary adjustments to the implementation arrangements;

(ii) monitor implementation progress against expectations, identify constraints, and define actions to address them; and

(iii) ensure compliance with ADB safeguards conditions set out in the grant agreement and financial framework agreement. In particular, EMP implementation will be scrutinized.

61. Three years following grant effectiveness, ADB will field a comprehensive midterm review mission (MRM) to assess performance, identify problems, and reach formal agreement with GOA on any needed changes to the scope of work or implementation arrangements to address shortfalls. MOF, MAIL and ADB will jointly prepare full terms of reference for the MRM during the second year of implementation. Prior to MRM, MAIL will submit a detailed progress report on their respective components, including documentation of safeguards implementation.

D. Screening and Categorization of RSPs

62. The Project. The construction of water storage and delivery systems under Output 1, and the subsequent operation of these systems, have potentially significant environmental impacts requiring management to achieve acceptable levels of residual impact, thus the project is assigned ADB environment category B. Activities for Output 2 do not require an IEE as they lack potential for significant impact.

63. The RSPs. Screening checklists were completed for each of the two RSPs selected and designed by the TRTA. Each RSP was assigned to ADB environment category B.

E. Description of RSP Takdana

1. Proposed Civil Works

64. The proposed RSP civil works are:

• Construction of cool room – 184 x 8 m shed walls, 68 m x 1 m x 8 mm roof, 20 m3 reinforced concrete for floor, 50 cm x 1 m x 1 m foam isolation for floor, 14 m x 34 m

15 Category C subprojects by definition do not have environmental impacts requiring bidding, contracting, and

environmental procurement environmental safeguards nor mitigation nor monitoring, and therefore they do not have EMPs.

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x 14 m steel structure for cool room, 20 m3 foundation excavation, 5 m x 4 m – 2 gates, 96 m x 2 m fences, 60 m2 access road to cool room.

• Equipment installation

• Installation of stand-by generator (57KW)

• 1 fork lift

65. The proposed cool-room layout and design are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 below.

2. Design Considerations

66. The cool-room is to be constructed on the same site as the existing pack house in the Pul-e-Charkhi Industrial Park on the outskirts of Kabul. The premises are owned by the company. The construction site is at the rear of the block behind an existing pack house where processing of fruit is practiced – albeit on a seasonal basis when product is available. The proposed design consists of a cool-room facility that is joined by way of an access door to the existing processing plant that will permit the transfer of product from the existing pack house to the cool-room using forklifts and the like for the transfer and stowage of packed fruit and other product lines. The floor area of the shed is 517 m2 and the perimeter of the cool room is 103 m whilst the height is 6 m above the floor with a gable roof extending to a height of 10.3 m above the floor level. There is a loading and unloading bay at the front of the cool room to receive fresh produce and load 20 ft containers for export or local sales.

67. The cool-room is made up of five chambers to allow different storage conditions required for the various types of stored product. The combined floor area of the five chambers is 391 m2 while the access corridors utilize 86 m2 making a total floor area of 477 m2. Access corridors are needed to move stock in and out of the cool room. One chamber is to be used as a pre-cooling room that has higher capacity bowers to quickly remove the field heat of produce that is delivered to the premises from farmers or other aggregators in order to extend the shelf life of the produce (Figure 2).

68. The internal design of the cool-room has access corridors to all chambers with one sliding door to each chamber while within each chamber, racking has been provided to accommodate standard pallets. The total number of pallets that can be stored in the facility is estimated at 570 units although the capacity of the cool-room is greater than this figure as storage will invariably take place in areas where racking has not been installed. The stacking pattern has space above and below loaded pallets to permit circulation of the cold air throughout all chambers. It is estimated the total weight that can be stored in the facility is 460 tons at any one time.

69. Footings are designed to extend 1 m below the pad surface with reinforced concrete poured in situ. Fill is required on the site to bring the cool-room pad level with the existing building that will be compacted to prevent post construction subsidence, particularly needed for the anticipated loads on the slab. The groundwater level is located at about 40 meters and is not going to influence the stability of the footings or slab. The reinforced concrete slab will be poured in situ with thickened edges to prevent the loss of soil from beneath the slab.

70. Heat efficiency measures incorporated in the design include the following:

(i) Only one door opens to the exterior of the facility (other than the access pathway to the existing pack house facilities;

(ii) Foam sandwich panels (with external aluminum sheets-100 mm thick) are used for chamber walls and ceilings of the cool-room;

(iii) Panels are joined on the interior sides by non-conducting plastic sheets and foam to minimize heat transfer to the external environment

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(iv) Panels will be joined to the roof panels with angle irons riveted to the aluminum sheets to minimize heat loss from the ‘T’ joints (metal bolts running through the sandwich will not be used as this permits the rapid transfer of heat from conductivity through continuous metal bolts);

(v) Insulation of the chamber ceiling panels will be aided by specially constructed roofing materials comprising an air gap immediately above the sandwich foam, a metal truss that supports rafters and mesh that carries additional thermal insulating foil topped by 24 gauge cragged galvanized metal sheets on the exterior (Figure 3).

71. The flooring will include insulation immediately adjoining the upright chamber wall to reduce heat transfer while the surface will be a high density concrete top with mechanical floats being used to bring the fine particulate matter to strengthen the concrete surface. This will prevent the premature breakdown of the surface and will form a solid base in the event of other surface treatments needed to establish HACCP conformity.

72. Compressors will be mounted above the roof of the existing pack house to enable access for routine maintenance. Reserve generators are to be located at the front of the existing pack house that will be automatically activated in the event of a power failure from the national grid. The fuels and oil storage area will be established on a sealed pad to prevent the risk of leakage into the soil substrata. Waste water from the processing plant is currently discharged into dry wells where it is seeps into underground resources. The road access way to the cool-room facility is by way of a 4 m wide gravel surfaced road that allows direct drainage of any precipitation into the ground water.

3. Expected Benefits

73. Expected benefits comprise:

• increased value addition for Afghani produced horticultural produce

• reduced losses of stored fruit and vegetables

• the facility will be used for domestic and export markets in off-season to reach better prices for products

• increased supply of quality produce

• increased availability of fruit and vegetables on domestic markets

• enhancement of the countries competitiveness in established and new international markets.

4. Potential Activities

74. Construction. Potential activities include:

• Removal of bushes and weeds

• (Re) excavation of foundations

• Management and disposal of excavation spoil

• Temporary blockage of foot / vehicle paths / roads

• Sourcing construction materials from existing quarries and/or quarrying of such materials

• Creation and management of on-site stockpiles of construction materials

• Creation and disposal of solid and liquid waste

• Operation and maintenance of vehicles and equipment

• Creation of reinforced concrete structures

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• Decommissioning and clean-up of construction sites

75. Construction Methods. Most work will be carried out by unskilled local labor using manual tools (shovels, pickaxes, baskets to move earth, etc.). Some skilled labor and internal combustion powered machinery and vehicles may be required (e.g. excavator, concrete mixer).

76. Operation. Activities will comprise transport, storage and cooling of fruit and vegetables.

5. Potentially Impacted Areas

77. Areas potentially affected by construction activities comprise the locations and alignments of temporary paths, roads, existing borrow pits; areas of existing quarries from which construction materials are sourced.

78. Areas potentially affected by operation-phase activities comprise the existing roads.

F. Description of RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom)

1. Proposed Civil Works

79. The proposed RSP civil works are:

• Establishment of a pack house facility and associated equipment to operate the facility that adjoins an existing cool room recently constructed (1,850 m2)

• Installation of washing, grading and packing equipment

• Establishment of stand-by generator

• Fork lifts and other operating equipment.

2. Expected Benefits

80. Expected benefits are the same as for Takdana.

3. Activities

81. The activities proposed in this subproject include the construction of a pack house facility to produce washed and graded fruit that can be stored in the existing adjoining cool room that was recently completed. The location of the pack house abuts directly to the wall of the existing cool room to allow transfer of packed fruit from the pack house to the cool room facility where it awaits dispatch for local and international markets. The facility is to be established at the same height as the cool room that will require the construction of retaining walls to hold the fill to raise the floor level of the pack house. The internal layout has been designed to accommodate the necessary equipment for the mechanized grading, sorting and washing of the main fruit being handled. The floor plan also has a receivals/ delivery bay where contracted farmers can deliver their produce both in bulk and bags, depending on the scale of production on their farms. The construction of the retaining walls and slab will be undertaken with local formwork developed in situ with bulk concrete delivery and pouring using mobile concrete pumps.

82. The building construction will be of foam sandwich panels of 100 mm in thickness to reflect the external heat from the ambient environment. The roof will be of similar material although the external skin will be constructed of corrugated sheet metal with insulation to reflect radiant heat from the facility. The facility will be established on a reinforced concrete slab to accommodate the point loads from machinery (fork lifts) carrying the packed and unpacked produce between the sheds. The concrete surface will be sealed with dust-proofing material to permit the registration and accreditation of HACCP standards required by importers in higher priced markets.

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83. As washing of fruit will be undertaken on the proposed premises, drainage channels have been designed into the floor to remove pooled and waste water from the washing process that will be discharged directly to the ground water after settling in sealed tanks. The volumes involved are minimal and will not be contaminated with agro-chemicals as best practices will be followed by farmers supplying fruit to the facility under contract where GAP are to be introduced. It is the intention to establish a small laboratory facility within the pack house to check for chemical residues on delivered fruit. Details for the laboratory are still under preparation but there is adequate space for its establishment in the facility.

84. The construction site will require an area for the storage of building materials that can be provided on site as the location has adequate are to accommodate such storage. The design incorporates access roads to both cool room and pack house facilities that will be constructed of concrete (reinforced) with drainage channels to disperse heavy rains when they occur, but will deliver storm drainage water back to the groundwater through drainage pits. The structure in these pits will be of coarse free draining soil to prevent puddling and stagnant water pooling that can pose a disease threat.

85. The access roads will experience high levels of usage during the construction phase and dust will be controlled by the requirements for tarpaulins to stabilize dirty flowing from vehicles as well as water being sprayed to minimize the impact from dust.

86. The facility will have an external emergency power plant to supplement the power supply from the national grid during power outages. This will be a diesel generator and will be established at distance from the buildings on a slab to prevent the potential spill of petrol, oils and lubricants that could seep back into the soil profile from storage tanks.

87. Potential activities that may have some environmental impact during construction include:

(i) Removal of bushes and weeds

(ii) (Re) excavation of foundations

(iii) Management and disposal of excavation spoil

(iv) Temporary blockage of foot / vehicle paths / roads

(v) Sourcing construction materials from existing quarries and/or quarrying of such materials

(vi) Creation and management of on-site stockpiles of construction materials

(vii) Creation and disposal of solid and liquid waste

(viii) Operation and maintenance of vehicles and equipment

(ix) Creation of reinforced concrete structures, and

(x) Decommissioning and clean-up of construction sites.

88. Potential activities that may have some environmental impact during operation include transport, washing, grading, and packaging of fruit and vegetables ready for storage.

4. Potentially Affected Areas

89. RSP potentially impacted areas are the same as for RSP Takdana.

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IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Kabul Basin / Regional Background

1. Scope of Description

90. This section presents a selective description of Kabul Basin and region to provide some context for the local environments of both RSPs that are the subject of this IEE. A full description of all aspects of Kabul Basin / regional baseline environment is beyond the scope of this IEE study, particularly given the limited data available for Afghanistan and this area.

2. Water Resources

91. Ground water. The aquifers in the Kabul Basin consist mainly of sand and gravel which becomes slightly cemented with increasing depth. Groundwater recharge is low due to low precipitation. The groundwater table is decreasing.16 Aquifers which provide water to Kabul are already being overexploited, resulting in decreasing ground water-table. The results of an observation well in Kabul aquifer show that the water table has dropped approx. 6–7 m within 40 years from 1965 to 2005.

92. The quality of groundwater in the Kabul Basin is location dependent. In some areas, groundwater quality is excellent, with low concentrations of dissolved solids and no problematic constituents. In other areas, however, it is harmful to humans and crops and unsuitable for public supply and/or agricultural use.

93. The quality of the groundwater is significantly affected by sewage in the vicinity of the built-up areas especially shallow aquifers. Of particular concern are elevated concentrations of nitrate, boron, and dissolved solids, as well as an indication of fecal pollution in some parts of the basin due to missing sewage systems and sewage treatment.

94. Groundwater in the project area is in a depth of about 40 m according to the information received from the owners of both RSPs. There is no data on water quality available.

95. Open water courses. Three rivers flow through the Kabul Basin. The Paghman River enters the Kabul Basin from the west, it becomes a tributary of the Kabul River. The Logar River enters the Kabul Basin from the south where it also discharges into the Kabul River. The Kabul River is part of the Indus catchment. The total catchment area of the Kabul River is around 12,888 km2.

3. Physical Environment

96. Air quality. The air quality in Kabul is severely affected by a variety of pollutant sources. They include:

(i) Vehicular traffic, use of old vehicles and adulterated fuels (most significant);

(ii) Resuspension of dust and windblown dust, damaged roads;

(iii) Residential heating during winter months using fuel wood, coal, diesel and animal residue;

(iv) Large scale use of privately owned and operated generators due to erratic power supply;

(v) Bakeries and public wash halls use fuel wood;

16 Hydrology of the Kabul Basin Part 1: German federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), 2005,

http://www.bgr.de/b1hydro/fachbeitraege/c200501/kabul_basin_part_I.pdf

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(vi) Brick kilns, all of which are old technology and located in residential areas;

(vii) Asphalt plants;

(viii) Thermal power station and small size industries;

(ix) Construction activities;

(x) Stone crushing industries.

4. Biological Environment

97. Flora. Afghanistan’s vegetation includes typical semi-desert and steppe species. Ephemeris vegetation grows in the sandy semi-deserts and halophytes are found in the salt semi-deserts. The most common trees on the more humid soils are oak, ash, willow, poplar and fruit trees in orchards. Himalayan forest, including evergreen oak woods grow in the borderland between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Unfortunately, areas supporting natural flora habitat are diminishing. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that one of the most critical environmental problems of Afghanistan is massive deforestation and overgrazing. It is estimated that forest cover declined from 3.4-2.6% of the total land area between 1970 and 1990. Since then, continued timber harvesting and the use of forest resources for fuel have reduced forest cover to less than 2% of the total area.

98. Fauna. Afghanistan's NEPA has officially released Afghanistan's first list of protected species. The species on this list are now protected against illegal hunting. NEPA, with help from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Kabul University and MAIL, created the Afghanistan Wildlife Executive Committee to facilitate the listing process. 138 species are currently on the list, which includes 74 mammals, 54 birds, seven plant species, one amphibian, one reptile and one insect species. The list includes well known species such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), the wolf and the brown bear, as well as lesser-known species such as the Paghman salamander (Paradactylodon mustersi), goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), markhor (Capra falconeri), and the Himalayan elm tree (Ulmus wallichiana).

99. Protected areas. Six protected areas have been identified in the country. None of these are located within or in the vicinity of the proposed project area. They are listed in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Protected Areas of Afghanistan

Name Area (ha)

Year Elevation (meters)

Designation

Ab-i-estada 27,000 1977 1,950-2,100 Waterfowl sanctuary

Dashte Nawar 7,500 1977 3,200-3,210 Waterfowl sanctuary

Pamir-i-Buzurg(Wakhan) 67,938 2014 3,250-6,103 Wildlife reserve

Kole Hashmat Khan 191 1973 1,792-1,794 Wildlife reserve

Ajar-Valley 40,000 1978 2,000-3,800 Wildlife reserve

Bande-amir 41,000 2009 2,900-2,832 Waterfowl sanctuary

Source: NEPA.

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100. No wildlife can be found within the subproject area. No threatened or endangered species are known to exist in vicinity of the subproject, and there are no protected areas within the entire industrial zone (Urban District 9).

5. Regional History

101. The city of Kabul is thought to be established between 2000 BCE and 1500 BCE. In the Rig Veda (composed between 1700–1100 BCE) the word 'Kubha' is mentioned, which appears to refer to Kabul River.

102. Kabul history traces the conquerors and invasions of several empires who fought in the region including Alexander the Great who conquered Kabul during his conquest of the Persian Empire.

103. The history of the region before the coming of Islam (600-800s CE) is demarcated by the Persian Achaemenids (6th-4th century BCE), Alexander and the Greeks (4th century BCE), Asoka and Buddhism (3rd century BCE), Kanishka and the Kushans (1st century CE), the Persian Sasanians (100-600s CE), and the Iranian Huns (300-800s CE). Islamic civilization initially flourished under the Ghaznavids (900-1100s) and the Ghurids (1100-1200s) but this era ended in catastrophe with the Mongol invasion (1200s). The opening of the new maritime trade route between Europe and the East Indies in the 1500s sent Afghanistan and all other areas along the traditional overland silk route into economic and cultural decline.17. During the latter half of the 1700s, Ahmad Shah Durrani liberated the area between the Hindu Kush and the Amu Darya from Persian and Indian influence, thereby creating modern Afghanistan.

104. There is no evidence that the RSPs are located in the vicinity of cultural or historic sites. No cultural or historic chance findings are expected.

6. Climate and Weather

a. Climate Classification

105. The Köppen climate classification of the basin is predominantly BSk steppe climate. Precipitation is low throughout the year (362 mm) with maximum rain and snowfall in the winter and spring months. Almost no rain occurs in the summer months (June: 1 mm). Maximum precipitation is expected in March (88 mm).

106. July is the warmest month (23.2 oC on average) and January the coldest month (- 2.9 oC on average, Figure ).

107. Recent Droughts. Periods of large-scale, multi-year drought are characteristic of central Asia. Recent drought years recorded for northern Afghanistan are 1997-2004 (1998-2002 in Southwest Asia more broadly), 2008, and 2010.18 It has been suggested that Central Asian droughts are correlated with large scale climate indices related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle (ENSO).19 In Central Asia, weather than normal conditions are associated with the ENSO warm phase (El Niño); drier conditions are associated with the cold phase (La Niña).

17 “Afghanistan v. Languages.” 2013. In Encyclopaedia Iranica. New York: Center for Iranian Studies, Columbia

University. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/afghanistan-v-languages 18 Beekma, Jelle, and Joel Fiddes. 2011. Floods and Droughts: The Afghan Water Paradox. Afghanistan Human

Development Report. Kabul: Centre for Policy and Human Development. 19 Dai, Aiguo, Kevin E. Trenberth, and Taotao Qian. 2004. “A Global Dataset of Palmer Drought Severity Index

for 1870–2002: Relationship with Soil Moisture and Effects of Surface Warming.” Journal of Hydrometeorology 5: 1117–1130. http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/cas/adai/papers/Dai_pdsi_paper.pdf .

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7. Social and Economic Conditions20

a. Population

108. According to estimates in 2015, the population of Kabul was 4.635 million, which includes all the major ethnic groups. Rapid urbanization had made Kabul the world's 75th largest city.21 While the population of Urban District 9 is 290,205 – 147,430 male, 142,775 females.

b. Urban Livelihoods

109. The cities of Afghanistan are growing fast. The pace of this growth exceeds the planning and management capabilities of the already overwhelmed central government and of under-resourced municipalities, making them unable and, at times, unwilling to effectively work on reducing levels of urban poverty and vulnerability. As a result, poor urban households are excluded from the most basic services and are forced to live day-to-day on meagre, unreliable income flows in often health-threatening environments.

110. Afghanistan’s poor urban population have little or no access to basic services and social infrastructure. This is a result of limited resources, combined with the authorities’ unwillingness and lack of capacity to serve effectively. Exclusion from basic services adversely affects the capacity of the urban poor to earn adequate income and acquire the necessary human assets to have quality of life. While lack of services has long been recognized as a major problem in urban Afghanistan, investments in safe water supply, sanitation, and shelter programs have been largely insufficient.22

c. Public Health

111. Diarrhea and other water-borne disease. Water-borne diseases are highly prevalent due to unsafe water and unsanitary conditions. While poor water quality is emphasized as a cause of water-borne disease alone, the impact of inadequate water quantity on personal and household hygiene may be as or more important.23

d. Water Supply

112. Sources and Availability. Currently the largest proportion of urban and rural water supplies for domestic and other municipal purposes in Kabul are obtained from groundwater sources.

113. Many urban households have no access to clean water and are driven to spend their already limited income on private water supply. Families who cannot afford to do so end up relying on polluted surface sources or travelling long distances to the nearest public pump or well.

114. Water Supply and Drought. The drought in Afghanistan during the 1999-2002 had both direct and indirect impacts on drinking water supply. Wells ran dry and community-based maintenance was also affected. Traditionally wealthy families paid the maintenance costs of public wells; but they became less inclined to do so during the drought when funds were tight. Another factor is that wealthy families increasingly have their own private wells, which insulates

20 http://km.gov.af/category/amakin_mazhabi 21 "Largest cities in the world and their mayors – 1 to 150". City Mayors. 2012-05-17. 22 Urban Livelihoods in Afghanistanf, Jo Beall and Stefan Schütte, 2006 23 Huttly, S.R.A., S.S. Morris, and V. Pisani. 1997. "Prevention of Diarrhoea in Young Children in Developing

Countries." Bulletin of the World Health Organization 75(2):163-174. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2486931/pdf/bullwho00393-0073.pdf

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them from the impact of public well breakdowns and reduces their motivation to pay public well maintenance costs.

e. Roads

115. Most roads are paved. Some of them lack any drainage system.

f. Cultural Resources

116. Kabul city has many cultural resources like worship and religion places (mosques), Takia – Khana and Shrines, especially in the Old City Murad Khane. This includes buildings and wood carvings and other historical artefacts and typifies a distinctive and increasingly rare Islamic urban form.

Monuments in Kabul City

1. Hisar-e- Qadeem Kabul

2. Kocha-e- Morgh Froshi

3. Qasr-e- Darulaman

4. Munar-e- Elam wa Jahl

5. Tapa-e- Bi Bi Mahro

6. Qasr-e- Chehilstoon

7. Bala Hisar-e- Kabul Qala Jangi

8. Tapa-e-Toop Kabul

9. Musium Mili Afghanitan

10. Kocha-e- Kah Froshi

11. Abeda Maiwand

12. Arshif Mili

13. Guzar-e- Andarabi

14. Tapa-e- Naranj

Religious places (mosques and shrines) in Kabul City

1. Takia Khana Jafaria

2. Zyarat Hazrat Babaye Andkhoy Alaih Rahmah

3. Masjed Diwanbigi

4. Masjed Ozbek ha Dar Gozar Ozbek Ha

5. Aramgah Hazarat Mujadidi Rahmahullah Alaih

6. Masjed Qadeem Hazrat Ha

7. Zyarat Babaye Ghory Alaih Rahmah

8. Zyarat Shah Najaf

9. Masjed Ghazyan

10. Zyarat Ashuqan and Arifan

11. Saha Bastani Khawaja Safa

12. Zyarat Sayed Ahmad Kabir

13. Zyarat Gah Sakhi

14. Masjed Eid Gah

15. Zyarat Baba Khodi

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16. Masjed Shah Do Shamshera

17. Zayarat Tamim Ansar

18. Khanaqah Pahlawan (Naqashbandi)

19. Masjed Pul-e- Khishti

117. None of these monuments and religious places are located in the vicinity of the RSPs.

118. Ethnic Composition. Afghanistan has a multi-ethnic and mostly-tribal society. The population of the country is divided into the following ethno-linguistic groups: Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Aymaq, Turkmen, Baloch, Pashai, Nuristani, Gujjar, Arab, Brahui, Pamiri and a few others. In Kabul City the most notable ethnic groups are Pashtun, Tajik and Hazara.

B. Description of Environment – RSP Takdana and RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom)

1. Location and Size – Takdana

119. Takdana is located in the Urban District 9 of the industrial zone of Kabul city, to its north is a PVC company which is currently not operating and having share with one wall of the packing house. The main road is in the south. A logistic company for food is located in the east, to the west an electronic appliances company. The total area of the packing house is 0.3 ha which includes the existing buildings and the remaining open space. There are no residential houses within 3-5 km distance of the project area (Figure 1: Takdana – Layout Plan (existing and proposed structures)

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Figure 2: Takdana – Proposed Cool Room Floor Plan

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Figure 3: Takdana Roof Plan and Insulation

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Figure 4: Arya Kabul (Tabasom) – Site Plan (existing and proposed structures)

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Figure 5: Arya Kabul (Tabasom) – Proposed Pack House Floor Plan

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Figure

2. Location and Size – Arya Kabul (Tabasom)

120. Arya Kabul (Tabasom) is a modern private enterprise. It operates out of two privately owned properties within the Pole Charkhi Industrial Park (Urban District 9 of Kabul City) on the outskirts of Kabul. The Company has another site (the subproject site) within the industrial park (Figure 1: Takdana – Layout Plan (existing and proposed structures)

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Figure 2: Takdana – Proposed Cool Room Floor Plan

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Figure 3: Takdana Roof Plan and Insulation

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Figure 4: Arya Kabul (Tabasom) – Site Plan (existing and proposed structures)

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Figure 5: Arya Kabul (Tabasom) – Proposed Pack House Floor Plan

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121. Figure ). This site has one building that houses primary processing of raisins and includes a receival area for farmer produce. This building also contains storage for raw material that is held as a reserve for when farmer deliveries cease, and the plant is kept operational using stock on hand.

122. The subproject site is in a separate location somewhat removed from the company headquarters but still within the industrial park. The proposed packing shed facilities will be established here. The total area of Arya Kabul (Tabasom) subproject site is about 5,000 m2.

3. Physical and Biological Environment of both RSPs

123. Air quality and Noise. Air quality is generally moderate and noise is low, typical of industrial areas in the outskirts of Kabul City (all construction sites are in the industrial zone). Temporary large increases in dust can occur during dust storms.

124. Topography and Soils. The area is a fairly level and well drained. Soils are typical of an alluvial floodplain.

125. Rivers and Water Bodies. A canal is in the east of Arya Kabul (Tabasom) subproject site. The water in the canal is waste water from factories and domestic sewage. The canal is connected to Kabul River. Kabul River normally dries out during the summer months.

126. Groundwater. There is ground water in a depth of 40 m below surface. Two wells are existing to provide the RSPs with water for fruit washing.

127. Protected Areas. There are no protected areas in or near the two subprojects.

128. Terrestrial Habitats and Vegetation. The main habitat in both subprojects is non-agricultural land and fallow land almost without vegetation. Some bushes and weeds exist.

129. Wetland Habitats and Vegetation. There are no wetlands and protected areas in the vicinity of the two RSPs.

130. Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife. No wild life has been reported in the subproject area (industrial zone of Kabul City).

131. Protected Areas. There are no protected areas in or near the two subprojects.

4. Social and Economic Conditions of both RSP

a. Urban District 9

132. Urban District 9 consists of Karte Wali, Mikrorayon (2nd, 3rd, 4th), and part of Shash Darak. The district has an area of 24.5 km2 (48.4 % urban, 29.7 % agricultural, 13.7 % fallow land). People work in the following sectors:

- Trade

- Agriculture

- Micro enterprise

- Car repair

- Electrical trade

133. Languages. Pashto, Dari, Hazaragi, Ozbiki

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134. Roads. Access roads to the RSPs are existing. It is a main asphalt surfaced road. Access road to the construction sites is existing within the RSPs.

135. Health Facilities. District health facility coverage is good compared to remote areas.

136. Income and Food Security. In Urban District 9, estimated average annual income is slightly below the national average at about AF101,500, however the uncertainty of this value, as in any income figure, is high. An estimated 29% of district residents are considered to be food insecure, and an estimated 3% are considered severely food insecure, based on a World Food Program analysis of Afghanistan Living Costs Survey data of 2013-14.

137. Physical and Cultural Resources. No physical cultural resources of importance (mosques, graveyards, etc.) were located in or near areas potentially affected by RSP activities.

V. ALTERNATIVES

A. No-project Alternative

138. In the no-project alternative: production and marketing of horticultural products would likely be rehabilitated and upgraded by MAIL with funding from other sources in much the same manner as under the project. This is believed to be the case because (i) the project is designed to support Afghanistan and MAIL in implementing their horticulture development plans, and (ii) the project utilizes commonly-used technical options for storage and cooling of fruit that would likely also be used in the no-project alternative with alternative funding.

B. Selection of RSPs

139. These RSPs were selected from a candidate shortlist and prioritized by MAIL. Shortlisting criteria included indicators of technical, economic, social and environmental viability and consistency with project design.

VI. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

A. RSP Impacts and Mitigation

140. The subprojects have site specific or minimal impact since an implicit least-cost analysis of a set of eligibility and prioritization criteria was used for subproject selection. Criteria included ‘No significant potential environmental impact as outlined in the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009)’ - more specifically, GOA category 1 subprojects, and category 2 subprojects for which NEPA requires EIA, are excluded from project financing as are ADB category A subprojects – and ‘Not in an environmentally protected area.’

141. In addition, the works are medium-scaled so any negative impact is site specific. One impact of both representative subprojects is the risk of over-exploitation of ground water resources. The other is the potential impact fro the generation of unmarketable fruit that has been selected out during the grading process.

142. In terms of environmental characteristics, potential environmental impacts and required mitigation measures, both subprojects are almost identical. Impact and management/mitigation measures are combined for both, as shown in the paragraphs below. Other subprojects to be designed under the project are also likely to have very similar impacts and management/mitigation measures.

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143. Construction. The potential construction-phase or mostly site-specific impacts and corresponding mitigation / management measures are:

• Impact: Loss of unsealed surface due to construction of buildings (storage and cooling facilities). The PMU/PIU will ensure planting of trees on the owner’s property as a mitigation measure.

• Impact: Temporary disruption of and blockage of roads or blockage of vehicle, pedestrian movement. Management: The civil works contractor will organize construction traffic and agree with local traffic police in advance. This will be a contract requirement.

• Impact: Landscape alteration (impacts on topography) from excavation spoil. Management: The contractor will select and manage spoil disposal sites to avoid adverse impacts. Prior approval from the PMU/PIU on the selection of spoil sites will be undertaken. This will be a contract requirement. The PMU/PIU will ensure such spoil sites have been selected with community agreement.

• Impact: Construction-phase impacts (dust, noise, vibrations, air pollution, liquid and solid waste generation, occupational health and safety). Management: use tarpaulins to cover loose material, control dust by sprinkling water, clean wheels of heavy vehicles, tenders include standard construction contract environmental safeguard clauses (Appendix 3) that require bids to include site environmental management plans (EMPs); construction supervision tracks EMP implementation.

• Impact: Occupational health and safety. Management: Follow standard and safe procedures for all activities (shoring in deep trenches, provide lighting, protective equipment like safety shoes, gloves, helmet, ladders and scaffold of modern safety standard).

• Impact from contractor’s site. Exclude public from site (fencing, signing, security), provide information to the public before construction activities, no night time activities, waste management plan and sewage management plan to be provided by the contractor.

• Impact: Impact on fauna and flora. There will be no impact on fauna and flora.

• Impact: Impact on protected areas will be zero as one of the selection criteria is that no subprojects are to be located in or in the vicinity of protected areas.

• Impact: Impact on socio-economic environment. Management: introduce social guidelines to minimize social tensions between workers and the public. There will be a positive impact on work availability due to the need for temporary construction staff from the local area during the construction period. Temporary water supply distribution problems are not expected as number of workers will be limited. Health and safety aspects of construction will be mitigated by the construction contractors. There will be no impact on any public infrastructure such as transmission lines.

• Impact on archaeological sites: the contractor will record excavation work to ensure that any findings will be recognized, the chance find procedure will be followed accordingly. No archaeological findings are expected.

144. Magnitude and significance of impacts are outlined in the EMP (Table 2: Summary of Mitigation Measures).

1. Chance Find Procedure

145. In the event of an archaeological chance find at the construction site, the contractor will prevent workmen and the public from removing and damaging any chance find artifacts. He will delineate the discovered site or area. Construction work will be interrupted. The supervisory

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engineer will, immediately upon discovery thereof, inform the Archaeological Department of such discovery. He will secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. In cases of removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard shall be present until the responsible local authorities and the Department of Archeology take over. Construction work will resume only after authorization is given by the responsible local authorities and the Department of Archeology.

146. Operation. The main potential subproject operation impacts are:

• Impact: Impact on fauna. There will be no direct impact on fauna.

• Impact: Impact on protected areas will be zero as one of the selection criteria is that no subprojects are to be located in or in the vicinity of protected areas.

• Impact. Impact on ground water due to washing of fruit and linked over-exploitation of ground water resources. The PMU/PIU and relevant authorities must implement regular monitoring of the ground water level as a mitigation measure. Water meters have to be installed and water fees have to be introduced. The owner shall monitor the water consumption on a yearly basis.

• Impact: improper disposal of sewage and pollution of water resources. Waste water from the processing plant is currently discharged into dry wells where it seeps into the underground. A sewage management plan shall be developed by the owner. The owner will collect domestic sewage in a septic tank and dispose the sludge by an authorized company.

• Impact: improper disposal of spoiled fruit and health hazard. Spoiled fruit has to be disposed regularly. The PMU/PIU must implement regular monitoring of disposal of fruit. A waste management plan shall be developed by the owner. Waste sorting and regular waste disposal by an authorized company will be taken into consideration. Other possibilities include the sale of spoiled fruit and vegetables for livestock rearing (at heavily discounted prices), the drying of spoiled fruit under controlled dessication pans on the premises to produce organic material for recycling onto farmer fields to improve water incorporation into the soil profile.

• Impact: Release of greenhouse gases from cooling equipment. Maintenance of equipment has to be implemented and documented regularly as a mitigation measure.

• Impact: Impact on socio-economic environment. Impacts will be positive due to an increased per-capita income and reduced poverty in the agricultural and horticultural sector. Production and marketing of horticultural products will increase. The subproject will be aligned with the following impact: balanced economic growth, stability, and economic empowerment of women and men.

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

A. Mitigation Plan

1. Summary of Impacts and Description of Proposed Mitigation Measures

147. The impacts and proposed mitigation measures are described above and summarized in Table 2.

2. Environmentally Responsible Procurement as a Mitigation Measure

148. Prior to sourcing construction materials from an existing quarry, or before creating a quarry from which to source construction materials, contractors will identify the quarry or potential quarry site to the relevant PMU/PIU. Procurement can proceed only after a PMU/PIU construction supervisor, advised and assisted by their PMU environment safeguards officer and field staff if

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necessary, has determined that no significant adverse impacts are posed by the quarry site or quarrying activities (e.g. sedimentation, erosion, or sliding adversely affecting water courses, settlements, roads, agriculture etc.). If significant adverse impacts are identified, mitigation measures at the proposed quarry / quarry site may be considered, or a different existing quarry / quarry site / quarrying activity can be substituted and assessed.

3. Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation

149. Overview. Responsibilities for mitigation implementation (pre-construction to operation) are shown in Table 2.

150. Pre-construction phase. Responsibility for implementing pre-construction mitigation measures will rest with MAIL’s PMU/PIU and the ISCs (Table 2).

151. Construction phase. Responsibility for implementing construction mitigation measures will rest with contractors selected to implement civil works packages, under the supervision and overall management of the responsible ministry’s PIU and PMU respectively (Table 2).

152. Operation phase. Mitigation of operation-phase impacts involves, first, capacity building of institutions (DAILs), and then implementation of mitigation measures by the strengthened institutions. Capacity building to implement operation-phase mitigation will be planned by MAIL PMU with the advice and assistance of ICS. The planned capacity building activities will be delivered by staff or contract trainers under their supervision to staff/members of the DAILs, who will be responsible for implementing operation-phase mitigation (Table 2).

B. Monitoring Plan

1. Monitoring Activities

153. Monitoring activities are shown in Table 3. The monitoring plan will be reviewed and developed further at several points during the subproject.

2. Responsibility for Monitoring

154. Construction phase. Under the direction of the responsible ministry’s PMU and with advice and assistance from ISC, monitoring of construction-phase impacts and mitigation will be integrated into the work plans of MAIL’s PMU construction supervisors. Schedules of monitoring activities, procedures, and checklists to be used by these supervisors will be prepared in collaboration with them. On-the-job training and backstopping of PMU construction supervisors will be provided as required by the PMU environment safeguards with support from the ICS national environment specialist (Table 3).

155. Operation phase. Monitoring of operation-phase impacts involves, first, capacity building of RSP level institutions (DAILs) to undertake participatory monitoring, and then the undertaking of monitoring activities the strengthened institutions. Capacity building to undertake operation-phase participatory monitoring will be planned by the PMUs with the advice and assistance of ICS. The planned capacity building activities will be delivered by staff or contract trainers under their supervision to staff/members of the DAILs and IAs, who will in turn be responsible to undertake operation-phase monitoring (Table 3).

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VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

A. RSP IEE Consultation and Disclosure

1. IEE Public Consultation Meetings

156. Overview of public consultation program. Public consultation will be conducted. Consultation of

- neighbors in the close vicinity of the RSPs

- relevant businesses

- affected persons

- women’s organizations

- NGOs

- local communities

- municipality of the City of Kabul

relevant authorities – Health Authority and Water Authority will be envisaged.

157. The program of the consultative workshop includes the following:

- Presentation of the RSPs – purpose, design, social benefits

- Presentation of main findings of IEE including main environmental impacts and mitigation measures

158. Workshops will be held for men and women separately.

159. The environmental concerns and suggestions made by the participants will be recorded and discussed. Suggestions have been incorporated in the EMP, as required.

2. Disclosure of RSP IEE Findings

a. Project-Affected People and Other Stakeholders

160. ADB requires proponents to disclose IEE findings relevant to local stakeholders, in a form, place, and languages accessible to them, prior to project appraisal.24 An analogous requirement exists for local disclosure of social safeguards findings. A single combined environmental and social disclosure is planned, recognizing its advantages in efficiency, clarity, and reduced security risk to proponent representatives.

161. Information relevant to local stakeholders that will be provided includes:

(i) What will be affected by the subproject?

24 “When the borrower/client submits [an IEE or a safeguard document of certain other types to ADB], the operations

department reviews [it] to confirm that (i) relevant information on potential project impacts and mitigation measures…has been made available, in a timely manner and before project appraisal, in an accessible place, and in a form and language(s) understandable to project-affected people and other stakeholders…” ADB. (2013). Safeguard Review Procedures F1/OP, para. 17. Operations Manual. Retrieved from http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/OM-F1-20131001.pdf

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(ii) When will these effects occur?

(iii) When and how will the effects be mitigated and/or compensated and how?

(iv) How were concerns expressed by stakeholders in the IEE public consultation meetings addressed by the project proponents? Have any concerns not been addressed, and if so, which ones and why?

(v) Who is available to listen to concerns, answer questions, and receive complaints?

162. The TRTA has prepared a presentation of this information in English and a Dari translation has been prepared, and, after reviewing it with representative local stakeholders print and distribute brochures and/or handbills to be placed in public places (typically local mosques).

b. On ADB Website

163. The draft IEE will be disclosed on the ADB website before project appraisal. Any revised IEE received by ADB will be disclosed on the ADB website when it is received. If no revision is made to the IEE, the draft IEE becomes the final document.25

B. EMP Implementation Consultation and Disclosure

164. Consultation and disclosure during EMP implementation will include:26

(i) pre-construction stakeholder involvement in the design of mitigation measures;

(ii) notification of local communities when project activities are going to take place;

(iii) provision for public participation in environmental monitoring;

(iv) public consultation during the preparation of biannual environmental monitoring reports, if required;

(v) disclosure of biannual environmental monitoring reports on the ADB website; and

(vi) local disclosure of monitoring results to local communities.

C. RSP Construction-Phase Consultation and Disclosure

165. Construction-phase environmental monitoring will be incorporated into the on-site work plans and checklists of PMU construction supervisors. These supervisors will be in regular contact with IAs to exchange information about monitoring activities and results, construction schedules, activities, progress, complaints, and concerns. IAs may arrange to participate in construction monitoring as and when they wish.

166. Construction supervisors will include environment-related matters in their regular reporting to PMU management. Management will in turn follow up with stakeholders as needed and appropriate to provide information and resolve issues.

167. Notification of upcoming construction and other project activities will be provided to IAs for posting at construction sites (e.g. signboards) and in places readily accessible to local people.

168. Biannual environmental monitoring reports (EMRs) will be prepared documenting environment-related consultation and disclosure events during the reporting period. IAs will be

25 ADB. (2013). Safeguard Policy Statement F1/BP and Safeguard Review Procedures F1/OP. Operations Manual.

Retrieved from http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/OM-F1-20131001.pdf 26 Following the guidance in para. 157, ADB. (2003). Environmental Assessment Guidelines. Manila. Retrieved from

http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/32635/files/environmental-assessment-guidelines.pdf now updated with ADB (2012) Environment Safeguards, A Good Practice Sourcebook, Manila.

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consulted during EMR preparation. Monitoring results will be locally disclosed in an appropriate manner. EMRs will be disclosed on the ADB website.

D. RSP Operation-Phase Consultation and Disclosure

169. When RSPs become operational, the EMP and operation-phase public consultation plan will be reviewed and revised, if required.

IX. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

170. Model for Construction-phase GRM. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) arrangements of the Western Basin Project provide a good model for the project to adopt.

171. Construction-phase GRM. A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established. The GRC does not have any legal mandate or authority but acts as a facilitator to try and resolve issues between the complainant and the MAIL/PMU. The GRC will consist of a representative from the district government, representative from the PMU, and NGO facilitation partner. The GRC would meet to try and resolve the matter and make a recommendation within 7-10 working days.

172. Uptakes options for grievances will include written and verbal claims will be addressed to MAIL, local/regional DAIL regional representatives. All claims will be recorded in writing by respective PMU regional representatives and shall include name and contact of claimant(s), issue(s) justifying the claim(s), names and contact of potential witnesses to be subpoenaed, and any document to substantiate the allegations/claim.

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X. CLIMATE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

A. Climate Resilience and Mitigation

173. Mean annual temperature has increased by approximately 0.5 °C in Afghanistan in the past 30 years, however this trend is not statistically significant.27 Future available temperature projections from regional and global climate models suggest a strong increase in temperature. For the end of the century a warming of 2.1°C (compared to the reference period from 1934 to 2018) is likely (Figure ). Furthermore, a strong increase in the duration of heat waves as well as a considerable medium-long reduction in cold spell length is projected.

174. Annual total precipitation did not show any significant changes in the past 30 years. For the future, climate models project no change in annual precipitation (Figure ). Furthermore, projections suggest a considerable increase in the duration of dry spells as well as a tendency towards more intense rainfall events.28

175. The climatic water balance is projected to decrease in the future. However, the water balance projections are deemed to be not very robust. The same holds true for the robustness of projected changes in mean wind speed, with the median projection suggesting little change over the 21st century.

176. Generally, it cannot be excluded that climate change especially reduction of annual rainfall and temperature rise will reduce biodiversity and initiate desertification in Afghanistan and in the subproject area. Worldwide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions might mitigate this scenario.

177. Afghanistan generates 44.7 % of its energy demand from fossil energy sources (coal, wood, fuel).29 A reduction of fossil energy sources and increase of renewable energy sources (wind, hydropower) would decrease the release of greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide).

B. Basic Project Information

Project Title: Horticulture Chain Development Sector Project

Location: Kabul Afghanistan

Sector: Agriculture

Theme: Environmentally sustainable growth, increase of jobs, gender equity

Brief Description:

Within the agricultural sector, horticulture has been a major contributor through the production of a wide array of crops, unique varieties, and an extended range of maturity periods, providing a strong comparative advantage on export markets. Licit horticulture crops are grown on 360,000 ha (that includes 14% of the total irrigated area) generating $1.6 billion equivalent annually, representing 34% of agricultural GDP. Labor requirements for production and harvesting are the equivalent of 200,000 full-time jobs (seasonal income for about 2 million people). Many horticultural crops (both annual and perennial) provide a good source of revenue for commercial farmers compared with alternate crops to the extent that they are widely promoted by government

27 Climate Service Center Germany, climate fact sheet for Afghanistan (2018) 28 Climate Service Center Germany, climate fact sheet for Afghanistan (2018) 29 https://www.laenderdaten.info/Asien/Afghanistan/energiehaushalt.php

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and development partners as an alternative to poppy cultivation. It will also support on-farm investments to increase production and quality.

12. The two representative subprojects (RSPs) assessed by this IEE are RSP Takdana and RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom) located in Urban District 9 of Kabul City.

C. Summary of Climate Risk Screening and Assessment

a. Sensitivity of project component(s) to climate/weather conditions and sea level

Project Output

1. reliable storage of fruit 2. cool storage of fruit 3. washing of fruit 4. construction of storage and cooling

facilities

Sensitivity to climate/weather conditions and sea level

▪ decrease of ground water resources ▪ flooding due to extreme weather

conditions ▪ overheating of storage facilities

b. Climate Risk Screening

Risk topic

1. Temperature increase 2. Flood increase 3. Decline of ground

water table 4. Release of green-

house gases from cooling equipment

Description of the risk

1. Increase of mean and extreme temperature may lead to overheating of cooling facilities and equipment

2. Flood event may inundate the facilities

3. Decline of the ground water level may limit the water availability

4. Release of green-house gases will increase global warming

Climate Risk Classification: Medium

Climate Risk Assessment A climate risk assessment was undertaken during subproject preparation. The main climate change hazards identified include:

(i) Heat stress in the summer, (low risk since Kabul is located at high altitude - >1,700 Masl);

(ii) Floods and water logging in winter and spring, due to more intense rainfall. This will mainly affect adjacent roads without sufficient drainage and the facilities themselves. (low to medium risk);

(iii) Decline of ground water table related to droughts and reduced rainfall (high risk); and

(iv) Release of greenhouse gases from cooling equipment (low to medium risk).

Climate Risk Management Response within the Project

The climate risk assessment has identified and recommended the following climate change adaptation measures, which have been incorporated in the EMP and in the feasibility study:

▪ Sufficient capacity of cooling equipment and adequate isolation to reduce the risk of overheating of the cooling facilities;

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▪ Extended drainage system with larger pipe sizes to reduce the risk of over-flooding and water ponding in the close vicinity of the RSPs;

▪ Provision of water meters, saving of water for fruit washing, monitoring of the ground water level and introduction of water fees to prevent overexploitation of the ground water; and

▪ Regular maintenance of the cooling equipment will reduce the risk for release of greenhouse gases.

XI. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Project Justification

178. Each of both RSPs is anticipated to create significant benefits for local people while having acceptable residual adverse after the implementation of feasible environmental management measures.

B. Risks and Assurances

179. Insecurity and weak governance are a risk to subproject sustainability. To mitigate this risk, RSPs were selected where no negative impact on the environment has been identified in advance.

C. Updating of EMP and Public Consultation/Disclosure Plan During Implementation and Operation

180. During early project implementation – as a priority task and as more complete RSP construction information becomes available – project environment officers and those responsible for construction-phase RSP EMP implementation will review the RSP EMPs and RSP consultation and disclosure plan and finalize them to an implementation-ready level of detail. EMP elements to be upgraded or added, on an as-needed basis, include (i) reporting responsibilities, (ii) EMP work plan, (iii) environmentally responsible procurement plan, (iv) detailed EMP costs, and (v) mechanisms for taking corrective action.30

181. During the transition from construction to early operation, and then to full benefit realization, in each RSP, responsibility for EMP and consultation and disclosure plan implementation will be transferred from implementation-phase project environmental managers to operation-phase and ultimately post-project RSP environmental managers.

182. During this transition, additional review and elaboration of the operation-phase elements of these plans will be necessary, (i) to adjust them to RSP-level environmental management capacity, or to include capacity building in areas where this is needed, and (ii) to develop them to a realistically implementable state.

3030 Para. 156, Section VI.D, ADB (2003) Environmental Assessment Guidelines. Manila. Retrieved from http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/32635/files/environmental-assessment-guidelines.pdf now updated with ADB (2012) Environment Safeguards, A Good Practice Sourcebook, Manila.

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XII. CONCLUSIONS

183. Based on site surveys of the locations where structures will be built and following a review of potential wider impacts following public consultation, both RSPs are not expected to have significant adverse impacts. In summary, the impact of the representative subprojects is site specific. The highest impact is risk of overexploitation of ground water resources. This and other mitigation measures are included in the Environmental Management Plan. Therefore, this IEE becomes the completed environmental assessment of these RSPs.

184. This IEE will be included in MAILS’s applications to NEPA for environmental Certificate of Clearance for each of both subprojects. If NEPA determines that an RSP requires an EIA, it renders the RSP ineligible for project financing, and the RSP will be dropped from the project.

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Table 2: Summary of Mitigation Measures

project activity Potential impact Mag Sig

Proposed mitigation Institutional

responsibility Cost estimates

Pre-construction

Source quarried materials

Landslides, erosion, sedimentation,

landform/landscape/viewshed degradation at/near quarry sites

L L • Investigate and accept/reject commercial quarries / proposed RSP local quarry sites for acceptable environmental impacts

MAIL, PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Included in MAIL PMU and PIU staff

costs and construction

contractor costs

Construction

Excavation Landscape alteration from

improperly managed excavation spoil

M M • Select and manage soil disposal sites,

in consultation with community

MAIL PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Included in MAIL PMU and PIU staff

costs and cost of civil works

Operation of vehicles and equipment;

generation of liquid and solid

waste

Excessive noise, dust, air / water pollution, fuel/oil spills, pollution from improper liquid/solid waste

disposal

M H • Use tarpaulins to cover loose material that is transported to and from the site by truck

• Control dust generation while unloading the loose material at the site by sprinkling water

• Limit dust by removing waste soil quickly and by covering and watering stockpiles

• Clean wheels and undercarriage of haul trucks prior to leaving construction site

Contractor’s site

disturbance to business, people, activities and socio-cultural

resources due to construction work

L M • Inform all residents, road department and business about the nature and duration of any work well in advance so that they can make necessary preparations if necessary

• provide wooden walkways and planks across trenches for pedestrians and metal sheets where vehicle access is required

• Increase workforce to complete the work in minimum time

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• Plan transportation routes in consultation with urban authorities, road department, and police

• Schedule transportation activities by avoiding peak traffic periods

• No night time construction activities including material/waste haulage

• Construction activities must be prohibited from 9pm to 7am

• Noise barriers must be installed in housing areas to reduce the noise level

• Layout plan of the work camp including description of precautionary measures

• Development of waste management plan

• Development of sewage management plan, installation of mobile toilets, proper disposal of domestic sewage by authorized company

Excavation and contractor’s yard

Loss of soil and impact on landscape

L L • Top soil of about 1 ft depth (0.3 m) shall be removed and stored separately during excavation work, and after construction the same soil shall be replaced on the top

pits Landscape disruption if left unfilled post-construction

L M Pits filled in

Sealing of surface Loss of unsealed surface due to construction of buildings (storage

and cooling facilities).

L M Planting of trees on property of RSOs MAIL PMU Sealing of surface

Occupational health and safety

H H • Follow standard and safe procedures for all activities – such as provision of shoring in deep trenches (>1 m)

• Provide adequate lighting to avoid accidents

• Ensure that all workers are provided with and use appropriate personal protective equipment - helmets, hand gloves, boots, masks, safety belts (while working at heights etc.)

• Maintain accidents records and report regularly

MAIL PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Part of construction costs

51

Archaeological chance findings during excavation

Impact on archaeological sites L L • Contractor will stop excavation works immediately

• Site will be separated through fencing etc.

• No access for workers and the public

• Archaeological department will be informed immediately

PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Part

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Operation and maintenance

Operation of cooling equipment

Release of greenhouse gases

H H

• Proper and regular maintenance of cooling equipment

MAIL PMU, PIU and operation contractors,

owner

Part of operation costs

Washing of fruit and vegetables

Overexploitation of ground water resources

H H • Surveillance of ground water table, saving of water as far as possible, installation of water meter, introduction of water fees, yearly monitoring of water consumption

Water authority, MAIL, PIU, owner

Disposal of wastes and spoiled fruit

Health hazard, occurrence of rodent and vermin, impact on

soil, groundwater due to improper disposal of waste

M M • Regular and proper disposal of wastes and spoiled fruit and vegetables

• Development of waste management plan

• waste separation and regular waste disposal by authorized company

Owner, MAIL, PIU, operation contractor

Operation costs

Domestic sewage improper disposal of sewage and

pollution of water resources

H H • A sewage management plan shall be developed by the owner. The owner will collect domestic sewage in a septic tank and dispose the sludge by an authorized company

Owner, PIU, contractor Operation costs

Operation of generator

Contamination of soil with fuel

H H • Proper maintenance and fueling of

generator, storage of fuel on a sealed pad

Owner, PIO, MAIL Operation cost

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Table 2: Summary of Mitigation Measures

project activity Potential impact Mag Sig

Proposed mitigation Institutional

responsibility Cost estimates

Pre-construction

Source quarried materials

Landslides, erosion, sedimentation,

landform/landscape/viewshed degradation at/near quarry sites

L L • Investigate and accept/reject commercial quarries / proposed RSP local quarry sites for acceptable environmental impacts

MAIL, PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Included in MAIL PMU and PIU staff

costs and construction

contractor costs

Construction

Excavation Landscape alteration from

improperly managed excavation spoil

M M • Select and manage soil disposal sites,

in consultation with community

MAIL PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Included in MAIL PMU and PIU staff

costs and cost of civil works

Operation of vehicles and equipment;

generation of liquid and solid

waste

Excessive noise, dust, air / water pollution, fuel/oil spills, pollution from improper liquid/solid waste

disposal

M H • Use tarpaulins to cover loose material that is transported to and from the site by truck

• Control dust generation while unloading the loose material at the site by sprinkling water

• Limit dust by removing waste soil quickly and by covering and watering stockpiles

• Clean wheels and undercarriage of haul trucks prior to leaving construction site

Contractor’s site

disturbance to business, people, activities and socio-cultural

resources due to construction work

L M • Inform all residents, road department and business about the nature and duration of any work well in advance so that they can make necessary preparations if necessary

• provide wooden walkways and planks across trenches for pedestrians and metal sheets where vehicle access is required

• Increase workforce to complete the work in minimum time

• Plan transportation routes in consultation with urban authorities, road department, and police

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• Schedule transportation activities by avoiding peak traffic periods

• No night time construction activities including material/waste haulage

• Construction activities must be prohibited from 9pm to 7am

• Noise barriers must be installed in housing areas to reduce the noise level

• Layout plan of the work camp including description of precautionary measures

• Development of waste management plan

• Development of sewage management plan, installation of mobile toilets, proper disposal of domestic sewage by authorized company

Excavation and contractor’s yard

Loss of soil and impact on landscape

L L • Top soil of about 1 ft depth (0.3 m) shall be removed and stored separately during excavation work, and after construction the same soil shall be replaced on the top

pits Landscape disruption if left unfilled post-construction

L M Pits filled in

Sealing of surface Loss of unsealed surface due to construction of buildings (storage

and cooling facilities).

L M Planting of trees on property of RSOs MAIL PMU Sealing of surface

Occupational health and safety

H H • Follow standard and safe procedures for all activities – such as provision of shoring in deep trenches (>1 m)

• Provide adequate lighting to avoid accidents

• Ensure that all workers are provided with and use appropriate personal protective equipment - helmets, hand gloves, boots, masks, safety belts (while working at heights etc.)

• Maintain accidents records and report regularly

MAIL PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Part of construction costs

Archaeological chance findings during excavation

Impact on archaeological sites L L • Contractor will stop excavation works immediately

PMU, PIU and construction contractors

Part

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• Site will be separated through fencing etc.

• No access for workers and the public

• Archaeological department will be informed immediately

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H - high; M - Medium and L- Low; Mag - magnitude; Sig – significance.

Operation and maintenance

Operation of cooling equipment

Release of greenhouse gases

H H

• Proper and regular maintenance of cooling equipment

MAIL PMU, PIU and operation contractors,

owner

Part of operation costs

Washing of fruit and vegetables

Overexploitation of ground water resources

H H • Surveillance of ground water table, saving of water as far as possible, installation of water meter, introduction of water fees, yearly monitoring of water consumption

Water authority, MAIL, PIU, owner

Disposal of wastes and spoiled fruit

Health hazard, occurrence of rodent and vermin, impact on

soil, groundwater due to improper disposal of waste

M M • Regular and proper disposal of wastes and spoiled fruit and vegetables

• Development of waste management plan

• waste separation and regular waste disposal by authorized company

Owner, MAIL, PIU, operation contractor

Operation costs

Domestic sewage improper disposal of sewage and

pollution of water resources

H H • A sewage management plan shall be developed by the owner. The owner will collect domestic sewage in a septic tank and dispose the sludge by an authorized company

Owner, PIU, contractor Operation costs

Operation of generator

Contamination of soil with fuel

H H • Proper maintenance and fueling of

generator, storage of fuel on a sealed pad

Owner, PIO, MAIL Operation cost

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Table 3: Summary of Monitoring Requirements

Mitigation measure Monitored

parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost

Pre-construction

Incorporate standard construction contract environmental safeguard clauses (IEE Appendix 3) and EMP into tender documents

Tender documents

FSDC (MAIL) / Contractor

(MAIL) office

Check tender documents for required inclusions

Once, before signing off on tender documents

MAIL PMU

Included in design and

support consultant costs

Prepare and submit environmental clearance application to NEPA for each RSP. Track and respond to NEPA queries

Environmental clearance certificate progress

FSDC (MAIL) / Contractor

Query status of applications

As needed to ensure certificates process

continues to progress such that they are obtained prior to

planned construction start dates

MAIL PMU Included in MAIL

staff costs

Investigate and accept/reject commercial quarries / proposed RSP local quarry sites for acceptable environmental impacts

Indications of erosion,

landslides, landform and

viewshed damage

Candidate quarry sites

Photographs Once for each site,

prior to quarry selection

MAIL PIUs and construction contractors

Included in MAIL staff and

construction contractor costs

Archaeology inspection of excavation sites, rescue archaeology / excavation monitoring as required, prior to commending excavation

Archaeology test pit(s) if there is

evidence Excavation sites

Presence/absence of archaeological findings

Once at each site, prior to commencing

excavation

Archaeology expert, respective

ministry’s design and support consultant

Included in MAIL design and

support consultant’s staff

costs

Construction

Select and manage soil disposal sites, in consultation with community

Soil disposal Soil disposal

sites Photographs Included in

construction supervisor site visits

MAIL PMU, PIU and construction

contractors

Included in MAIL staff and

construction contractor costs Routine construction housekeeping

measures per contractor EMP

Noise, dust, air pollution, fuel/oil spills, improper

liquid/solid waste disposal

Construction sites

Visual assessment of dust, liquid / solid found

outside proper receptacles; vehicle inspections to check exhaust and noise

Included in construction

supervisor site visits

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Table 3: Summary of Monitoring Requirements

Mitigation measure Monitored

parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost

Pits filled in Pits and

redundant canals Borrow pits and

trenches Photographs

Included in construction

supervisor site visits

Operation and maintenance

Generator and fuel tank

Check for leakages and proper functioning

Generator and fuel tank

Visual assessment Once per month Owner, contractor Operation costs

Cooling equipment Check for proper functioning

Cooling equipment

Visual inspection Once per half year Owner, contractor Operation costs

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Figure 1: Takdana – Layout Plan (existing and proposed structures)

Proposed cool room area

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Figure 2: Takdana – Proposed Cool Room Floor Plan

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Figure 3: Takdana Roof Plan and Insulation

Roof insulation

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Figure 4: Arya Kabul (Tabasom) – Site Plan (existing and proposed structures)

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Figure 5: Arya Kabul (Tabasom) – Proposed Pack House Floor Plan

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Figure 6: Kabul City District 9

Source: http://www.saarc-sadkn.org/downloads/Kbl_dist_9.pdf

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Figure 7: Climate of Kabul Basin

Source: https://de.climate-data.org.

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Figure 8: Climate Change Prognosis for Near Surface Temperature

Source: https://climexp.knmi.nl/plot_atlas_form.py

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Figure 9: Climate Change Prognosis for Precipitation

Source: https://climexp.knmi.nl/plot_atlas_form.py

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APPENDIX 1: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST, RSP Takdana (Agro - Industrial Projects)

Instructions:

(i) The project team completes this checklist for each potential subproject to support its classification as ADB environment category A, B, or C.

(ii) The checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. Social screening instruments should be used to screen for social dimensions such as involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, poverty reduction, and gender.

(iii) Complete checklist items for the “without mitigation” case to identify potential environmental impacts. Document potential mitigation measures in the “remarks” column.

Subproject name: RSP Takdana Fruit Pack House

Subproject location:

Kabul, industrial zone, urban district nine of Kabul City

UTM Easting UTM Northing UTM Zone

528059.73 3823306.07 42S

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

A. Subproject Siting Is the Subproject area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas? (attach additional sheets if needed for remarks)

X

▪ Cultural heritage site X

▪ Protected Area X

▪ Wetland X

▪ Mangrove X

▪ Estuarine X

▪ Buffer zone of protected area X

▪ Special area for protecting biodiversity X

▪ Bay X

B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the subproject cause……..

▪ ecological disturbances arising from the establishment of a plant or facility complex in or near sensitive habitats?

X

The subproject is located in the industrial zone of Kabul city surrounded by roads and industrial facilities (logistic company, electronic appliances)

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▪ eventual degradation of water bodies due to discharge of wastes and other effluents from plant or facility complex?

X No water body in the close vicinity of the subproject

▪ serious contamination of soil and groundwater?

X

Only limited storage of fuel for the generator, distance surface to groundwater >40m

Soil contamination can be mitigated by providing collection trays for mineral oil and oil binding agent, regular maintenance of stand-by generators

▪ release of greenhouse gases from cooling equipment X

Risk can be mitigated by regular maintenance of the cooling system

▪ aggravation of solid waste problems in the area? X

Solid waste gets stored in a designated area and disposed regularly

▪ public health risks from discharge of wastes and poor air quality; noise and foul odor from plant emissions?

X

▪ short-term construction impacts (e.g. soil erosion, deterioration of water and air quality, noise and vibration from construction equipment?

X Residential area in a distance of >3km

▪ dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? X

Only 0.3 ha of private land will be used for construction activities

▪ social conflicts arising from the influx of construction laborers from other areas?

X Limited number of workers required to build the facilities

▪ environmental degradation (e.g. erosion, soil and water contamination, loss of soil fertility, disruption of wildlife habitat) from intensification of agricultural land use to supply raw materials for plant operation; and modification of natural species diversity as a result of the transformation to monoculture practices?

X No wildlife habitats existing, no soil and water contamination, erosion expected

▪ water pollution from discharge of liquid effluents? X

No chemicals used for storage of fruit and vegetables

▪ air pollution from all plant operations? X No air pollution expected

▪ gaseous and odor emissions to the atmosphere from processing operations?

X residential area in a distance of >3km, no fruit processing

▪ accidental release of potentially hazardous solvents, acidic and alkaline materials?

X No chemicals used within the subproject area

▪ uncontrolled in-migration with opening of roads to forest area and overloading of social infrastructure?

X

▪ occupational health hazards due to fugitive dust, materials handling, noise, or other process operations?

X No dust generation, no noise

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▪ disruption of trans it patterns, creation of noise and congestion, and pedestrian hazards aggravated by heavy trucks?

X Residential area in a distance of >3km, no noise, congestion expected in harvest season only

▪ disease transmission from inadequate waste disposal X

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APPENDIX 2: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST, RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom) Subproject Facility

Instructions:

(i) The project team completes this checklist for each potential subproject to support its classification as ADB environment category A, B, or C.

(ii) The checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. Social screening instruments should be used to screen for social dimensions such as involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, poverty reduction, and gender.

(iii) Complete checklist items for the “without mitigation” case to identify potential environmental impacts. Document potential mitigation measures in the “remarks” column.

Subproject name: RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom) Subproject

Subproject location:

Kabul, industrial zone, urban District 9 of Kabul City

UTM Easting UTM Northing UTM Zone

526156.91 3823066.53 42S

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

C. Subproject Siting Is the Subproject area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas? (attach additional sheets if needed for remarks)

X

▪ Cultural heritage site X

▪ Protected Area X

▪ Wetland X

▪ Mangrove X

▪ Estuarine X

▪ Buffer zone of protected area X

▪ Special area for protecting biodiversity X

▪ Bay X

D. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the subproject cause…

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

▪ ecological disturbances arising from the establishment of a plant or facility complex in or near sensitive habitats?

X

The subproject is located in the industrial zone of Kabul city surrounded by roads and industrial facilities (logistic company, electronic appliances)

▪ eventual degradation of water bodies due to discharge of wastes and other effluents from plant or facility complex?

X No water body in the close vicinity of the subproject

▪ serious contamination of soil and groundwater?

X

Only limited storage of fuel for the generator, distance surface to groundwater >40m

Soil contamination can be mitigated by providing collection trays for mineral oil and oil binding agent, regular maintenance of stand-by generators

Domestic waste water will be discharged in adjacent sewage channel

Water used for fruit washing will be treated in Decentralized Waste Water Treatment System

▪ release of greenhouse gases from cooling equipment X

Risk can be mitigated by regular maintenance of the cooling system

▪ aggravation of solid waste problems in the area? X

Solid waste gets stored in a designated area and disposed regularly

▪ public health risks from discharge of wastes and poor air quality; noise and foul odor from plant emissions?

X

▪ short-term construction impacts (e.g. soil erosion, deterioration of water and air quality, noise and vibration from construction equipment?

X Residential area in a distance of >4km

▪ dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? X

Only 0.3 ha of private land will be used for construction activities

▪ social conflicts arising from the influx of construction laborers from other areas?

X Limited number of workers required to build the facilities

▪ environmental degradation (e.g. erosion, soil and water contamination, loss of soil fertility, disruption of wildlife habitat) from intensification of agricultural land use to supply raw materials for plant operation; and modification of natural species diversity as a result of the transformation to monoculture practices?

X No wildlife habitats existing, no soil and water contamination, erosion expected

▪ water pollution from discharge of liquid effluents? X

No chemicals used for storage of fruit and vegetables

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

▪ air pollution from all plant operations? X No air pollution expected

▪ gaseous and odor emissions to the atmosphere from processing operations?

X residential area in a distance of >4km, no fruit processing

▪ accidental release of potentially hazardous solvents, acidic and alkaline materials?

X No chemicals used within the subproject area

▪ uncontrolled in-migration with opening of roads to forest area and overloading of social infrastructure?

X

▪ occupational health hazards due to fugitive dust, materials handling, noise, or other process operations?

X No dust generation, no noise

▪ disruption of trans it patterns, creation of noise and congestion, and pedestrian hazards aggravated by heavy trucks?

X Residential area in a distance of >3km, no noise, congestion expected in harvest season only

▪ disease transmission from inadequate waste disposal X

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APPENDIX 3: EXAMPLE STANDARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD CLAUSES

A. Environmental Protection and Control of Pollution

1. General

1. The Contractor shall observe and comply with all National Laws, Government Regulations, Presidential Decrees, and Ministerial Regulations pertaining to environmental protection, pollution control, waste management and biodiversity protection.

2. In conducting construction activities, the Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to minimize environmental disturbance to the project area and surroundings and to prevent the escape of polluting substances into streams, water courses, and groundwater. The Contractor shall also utilize all necessary practicable methods and devices as are available to prevent and otherwise minimize atmospheric emissions or discharges of air contaminants.

3. Except where otherwise agreed or provided for by the Employer or expressly stipulated in Particular Specifications or Technical Specifications forming part of the Contract Documents, no separate payment will be made for complying with the provisions of this Clause and attendant sub-clauses; and all costs shall be deemed to be included in the prices for the Contractor’s mobilization for construction, and the various rates and lump sum items for the works included in the priced Bill of Quantities.

2. Pollution of Water Courses and Streams

4. The emission of polluting liquids or other waste into drains, water courses, or groundwater shall not be permitted.

5. No concrete or cement washings from the works or drainage from the Contractor's concrete batching and mixing areas, asphalt (hot mix) plants, or other manufacturing or production facilities shall be allowed to discharge into streams or drains without passing through an adequate system of settling ponds.

6. Storage of fuels, fueling and maintenance of plant and vehicles, etc. shall take place only on sites and under conditions that that do not allow spilt fuels to be discharged to water bodies. Fuel storage and fueling areas shall be equipped with adequate protective measures to confine and retain accidental spillages. No drainage from fuel store and plant maintenance depots shall be allowed to be discharged without passing through an adequate arrangement of oil traps and separators.

7. Washing of vehicles shall not be permitted in streams but only in specially designated and equipped areas.

8. Operations in quarries and borrow areas shall be carried out in such a way as to minimize any possible pollution from particulate matter entering the streams.

9. Adequate sanitary waste control facilities shall be provided in site offices and workers camps, and sewage waste shall be collected regularly and disposed in accordance with relevant environmental legislation.

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10. The Contractor shall accordingly be responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of a comprehensive drainage system to all areas of the Works. The system shall be constructed such that no discharges of oil, cement, silt or other liquid or solid waste matter can enter the streams and water courses at the site; and it shall have all necessary solid waste and sediment traps, settling ponds, oil separators, etc., required to ensure that pollution of streams watercourses and natural bodies of water does not occur. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the system to the satisfaction of the Employer’s Construction Supervisor and all costs of providing the system shall be deemed to be included in the various rates and lump sum items for the works included in the priced Bill of Quantities.

3. Air Pollution

11. The Contractor shall take all necessary steps to minimize air pollution resultant from his operations.

12. Except where stipulated in these Specifications for the disposal of natural vegetation and organic materials from clearing operations, the burning of waste materials for disposal, particularly oil and petroleum wastes, rubber, plastics and similar materials will not be permitted.

13. During the performance of the work required under the Contract or of any operations appurtenant thereto, whether on the project Site or elsewhere, the Contractor shall take all steps necessary, and shall furnish all labor, equipment, materials and means, required to reduce dust nuisance from the Works, and to prevent dust originating from his operations from damaging crops, orchards, cultivated fields, and dwellings; or causing a nuisance to persons. The Contractor shall be held liable for any damage resulting from dust originating from his operations including on Government roads, rights-of-way or elsewhere.

14. The emission of dust into the atmosphere shall not be permitted during the manufacture, handling and storage and handling of cement and of concrete aggregates, and the Contractor shall use such methods and equipment as are necessary for the prevention, or the collection and disposal, of dust during such operations. All truck-loads of loose materials shall be covered during transportation.

15. Concrete batching and mixing areas, asphalt (hot mix) plants, or other manufacturing or production facilities shall be sited at least 500m from the nearest habitation. Emission outlets shall be fitted with pollution control devices in compliance with relevant current Government of Afghanistan emission control legislation.

16. The cost of spraying water on haul roads, access roads, government roads, aggregate stockpiles, etc.; or of any other methods of reducing the formation of dust; and the cost of furnishing and applying materials to maintain the works areas, adjacent areas, and roads, in a dustless condition, shall be deemed to be included in the various rates and lump sum items for the works included in the priced Bill of Quantities.

4. Noise Pollution

17. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to minimize the amount of noise and vibrations coming from construction activities.

18. The Contractor shall ensure that all plant and equipment is properly maintained in good operating condition, and that noisy construction activities shall be effectively sound-reduced by means of silencers, mufflers, acoustic linings or shields, acoustic sheds or screens or other

77

means, to avoid disturbance to any nearby noise sensitive receivers. All plant and equipment shall comply with relevant Government of Afghanistan legislation covering sound emissions.

19. Quarry operations and blasting shall be undertaken so as to minimize blasting and disturbance during the night, and insofar as it is possible, noise, vibration and dust. Operation of trucks and heavy vehicles and machinery shall be restricted to the hours of 06:30 to 19:00 hrs.

20. All necessary measures shall be undertaken to protect schools, hospitals and other adjacent noise sensitive receptors, including the use of noise barriers.

5. Damage to Property, Crops and Vegetation

21. The Contractor shall limit the movement of his employees and equipment within the project area and on adjacent land, including access routes approved by the Employer’s Construction Supervisor, so as to minimize damage to natural vegetation, crops and property, and shall endeavor to avoid any damage to land.

22. The Contractor shall strictly ensure employees and equipment do not enter any sensitive environmental areas that are demarcated as “no-entry” zones.

23. The Contractor shall preserve existing trees, plants and other vegetation that are to remain within or adjacent to the Works and shall use every precaution necessary to prevent damage or injury thereto. Trees or shrubs shall only be felled or removed where such impinge directly on the permanent works or necessary temporary works areas; and where such is approved by the Employer’s Construction Supervisor.

24. On completion of the Works all areas disturbed by the Contractor’s construction activities shall be restored by the Contractor to their original condition, or as may be acceptable to the Employer.

25. The Contractor shall be responsible directly to the Employer for any excessive or unnecessary damage to crops or lands arising from his operations, whether within the project area, on lands adjacent thereto, or adjacent to approved access roads: and deductions will be made from the payment due to the Contractor to cover the cost of such excessive or unnecessary damage, as determined by the Employer.

B. Reporting

26. The Contractor shall maintain a record of all emissions and spills of liquid, solid and gaseous matter which occur at the site, whether into water courses, streams, on land, or into the air. This record shall be compiled daily and shall include details of date, time and nature of the event, along with details of the remedial and clean-up measures carried out. Copies of these records shall be given to the Employer monthly.

27. The Contractor shall also maintain a record of any complaints made by any Governmental or Community Organization or by the public, regarding his operations. This record shall contain the date and time of receipt of the complaint, the name and address of the complainant and the action taken to remedy the situation. Copies of these records shall be given to the Employer monthly.

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C. Environmental Management Plan

28. The requirements of this clause and attendant sub-clauses on Environmental Protection and Pollution Control notwithstanding; the Contractor shall observe and comply with all relevant environmental protection and mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) as stipulated in the Particular Specification. In the event of any conflict between the foregoing sub-clauses and the environmental protection and mitigation measures and pollution control requirements of the EMP, the EMP shall take precedence.

29. The Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Employer’s Construction Supervisor a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) demonstrating the manner in which the Contractor will comply with the requirements of the foregoing sub-clauses on Environmental Protection and Pollution Control, the EMP, and any particular environmental mitigation measures as stipulated in the Particular Specifications or Technical Specifications forming part of the Contract Documents.

30. The CEMP shall be submitted within 15 working days of the Contractor receiving the Notice to Proceed with the Works and shall include a waste management plan detailing procedures for waste management for the site covering all solid, liquid and gaseous waste materials and emissions. The waste management plan shall include procedures for the collection and disposal of all waste materials in such a way as to ensure that no damage is caused to the environment. Training shall be provided to workers about the appropriate implementation of the CEMP and waste management plan measures.

31. Where stipulated in the Particular Specifications or Technical Specifications forming part of the Contract Documents, and provision has been made in the Bill of Quantities; payment for the implementation of the CEMP will be made in accordance with the Unit Rates, Lump Sum or Provisional Sum Items included in the Priced Bill of Quantities.

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APPENDIX 4: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SUBPROJECT AREAS

Photo: RSP Takdana Cool-room Equipment

Photo: RSP Takdana Cool-room and Cooling Equipment

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Photo: RSP Takdana Packing Room

Photo: RSP Takdana Packing Room

Photo: RSP Takdana Access Road for Construction

81

Photo: Photo: RSP Takdana Area for Contractor’s Yard

Photo: RSP Takdana, Waste Collection

82

Photo: RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom), Construction Site for New Pack House

Photo: RSP Arya Kabul Tabasom: Canal in the close vicinity of Subproject Facility

83

Photo: RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom), Location for Generator Installation

Photo: RSP Arya Kabul (Tabasom), Location for Contractor’s Camp

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APPENDIX 5: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS – ARYA KABUL (TABASOM) SUBPROJECT

Meeting date & time: 19 July 2018

Place: Arya Kabul Cold Storage Company Office, Industrial Zone, Kabul City

Topics: See agenda and questionnaire

Attending:

Proponents: Mohammad Ismael from Harirod Construction Company, Manocheher Green Wall Plastic Factory, Murtaza Arya Aryana, Abdul Rasol Harirod Construction Company, Abdul Manan Supreme, Asadullah Aziz Arya Kabul Cold Storage Company, Ajmal Arya Kabul Cold Storage Company, Hedayatullah Omerkhil LML and Wahdatullah Wardak LML. National environmental specialist.

Concerns raised by stakeholders

Introduction

1. A brief introduction was made by the project team members regarding the proposed project to the meeting participants and short information was also provided regarding the meeting and its objectives.

Opening remarks

2. The project team appreciated the participants for sparing their valuable time and participating this important consultation session, regarding the proposed project (Arya Kabul Cold Storage Company) the meeting participants were told that consultation with you people is to obtain your collective views, interests, and concerns regarding the construction of this project. The participants were requested for their active participation so that the project team can better understand their views, interests and concerns.

Discussion of the project

3. At the beginning of the meeting the participants were provided with enough information regarding the proposed project to some extent they were aware of the project but their information was not enough, the participants declared their agreement with this project and they added that it is a needed project because currently a major portion of fresh fruits and vegetables are sold on low prices and gets rotten and wasted due to lack of cold store at most cases.

(xi) During the discussion the participants added that; no properties are going to be affected by this project and there will be no negative impacts on private companies and factories in the adjacent area to the proposed project. They also added that this project has no need for land acquisition because the land in which the cold storage is going to build in is the property of Arya Kabul Cold Storage Company owner and he has the ownership documents.

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Size of area needed for construction of cold storage.

4. The technical staff thoroughly discussed on the size of the area for construction of packing house and explained the general aspects and design features to the owner. The estimated size of area is 1850 square meter (0.925 ha). However, the exact size will be available once Eng. Mustafa completes the site plan.

Solving of potential social disputes. 5. They declared their commitments regarding solving of any potential social disputes.

Cooperation in general 6. The participants stated their full support in the overall project implementation period.

Deployment of unskilled labor locally 7. The meeting participants stated that unskilled labor should be hired locally.

Location of equipment to be installed (cooling equipment, stand-by generator, etc.

8. As per the owner of Arya Kabul Cold Storage Company they well place the stand by generator adjacent to the power bridge at the vicinity of AKCSC, during the conversation the owner of AKCSC added that they will use the electricity regularly which is cost effective and environmentally friendly while they will also use the generator during the electricity shortage

Location and size of contractor’s camp

9. Since the area of AKCSC is large and there is good enough space for the contractor camp thus, the owner said that, contractor can establish his camp at the vicinity of AKCSC because it is free of any engagement and connection to outside people and environment.

Water supply (for the need of packing house and cold storage.

10. A bore well is existed in the campus of AKCSC which provides the required water for the cold storage and packing house.

Waste water treatment 11. As per the owner of AKCSC they are going to construct four wells for the used water which will help in waste water treatment upon completion of waste water circulation in these wells clean water will be flowing to the canal which is located at the East of AKCSC, He also added that, they will not use chemicals and if needed they will install the filter system to treat the waste water as well.

Ownership of the land / parcels to be acquired for construction.

12. The owner of the land is Mr. Farhadul-Deen Husaini who is the owner of the AKCSC, as per him he has the ownership document of the land in which the AKCSC is going to be built in.

Fresh wastes management:

13. During the operation of AKCSC there will be some fresh residue and left over of fruits which will remain from packing due to the quality issues thus, they will have a contract with juice making factories and the residue and left over of fruits which is not suitable for any usage will be discharged in the designated area in consultation of municipality.

Contribution of packing house owner

14. During the meeting the project team (design engineer) thoroughly discussed on the 50% in cash contribution by the owner, in the meanwhile the owner declared his readiness and commitment for contribution.

Location of access roads, construction roads

15. Access road is available to the AKCSC it has a road separated from the main asphalted road toward the independent election commission and gives easy

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access to inside the vicinity of the AKCSC F and to the proposed project area

Reported by: Wahdatullah Wardak, National environmental specialist.

Meeting participants and photographs

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APPENDIX 6: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS – TAK DANA SUBPROJECT

Meeting date & time: 19 July 2018

Place: Tak Dana Office, Industrial Zone, Kabul City

Topics: See agenda and questionnaire

Attending:

Proponents: Mr. Waqar Ahmad ACCL International, Naderuddin Amiri Deputy director Takdana, Mahram Taramco Company, Mohammad Rafi Taramco Company ,Mujiburahman Taramco Company , Mirajuddin Amiri Takdana, Hedayatullah Omerkhil LML ,Saifullah Takdana, Aabdul Wasiq Takdana, Ejazulhaq Takdana, Fazalhaq Takdana,Atameer Hedayat Electric and Wahdatullah Wardak LML. National environmental specialist.

Concerns raised by stakeholders

Introduction

1. A brief introduction was made by the project team members regarding the proposed project to the meeting participants and short information was also provided regarding the meeting and its objectives.

Opening remarks

2. The project team appreciated the participants for sparing their valuable time and participating this important consultation session, regarding the proposed project (Takdana Packing House) the meeting participants were told that consultation with you people is to obtain your collective views, interests, and concerns regarding the construction of this project. The participants were requested for their active participation so that the project team can better understand their views, interests and concerns.

Discussion of the project

3. At the beginning of the meeting the participants were provided with enough information regarding the proposed project, the participants declared their agreement with this project and they added that it is a national and crucial project because currently a major portion of fresh fruits and vegetables are sold on low prices and gets rotten and wasted due to lack of cold store. During the discussion the participants added that; no properties are going to be affected by this project and there will be no negative impact on private companies and factories in the adjacent area to the proposed project. They also added that this project has no need for land acquisition because the land in which the cold storage is going to build in is the property of Takdana Packing house owner and he has the ownership documents.

Solving of potential social disputes. 4. They declared their commitments regarding solving of any potential social disputes.

Cooperation in general 5. The participants stated their full support in the overall project implementation period.

Deployment of unskilled labour locally 6. The meeting participants stated that unskilled labour should be hired locally.

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Size of area needed for construction of cold storage.

7. The technical staff thoroughly discussed on the size of the area for construction of cold storage and explained the general aspects and design features to the owner and recommended him for some increment in the area for construction and the owner of the packing house agreed on the allocation of bigger area for the cold storage compare to the previous one.

Location of equipment to be installed (cooling equipment, stand-by generator, etc.

8. General discussions took place on the location for equipment’s especially generator, the owner of the packing house said that, they are going to build a roof for the generator in the designated area inside the yard of packing house.

Location and size of contractor’s camp

9. The packing house owner said that contractor can use the facilities existed in the campus of packing house there are containers available in the vicinity of packing house as well as some rooms, there will be no negative impact on the local people and water resources because in the neighboring area of the packing house there is no both residential compounds as well water resources.

Water supply (for the need of packing house and cold storage.

10. A bore well is existing in the campus of packing house which provides the required water for the packing house, the owner of packing house said that they do not need for plenty of water because they do not wash all the vegetable and fruits for example, Spinach, Pomegranate, Apricot, Watermelon and etc.

Waste water treatment 11. Currently the packing house has a septic well the used water goes there without any waste water treatment system; while the owner said that he has the plan to install the device which will treat the used water. During the conversation the owner of the packing house added that, they are not using chemicals during washing of fruits and vegetables, for the fresh wastes and residue of fruits and vegetables they had a designated place in which they keeps the fresh wastes for a temporary time then a dedicated person is coming on daily bases and takes the wastes out from the packing house to a designated area, it’s worthwhile to mention that some of the fresh wastes used as animal feed.

Ownership of the land / parcels to be acquired for construction.

12. The owner of the land is Mr. Zabihullah who is the owner of the packing house as well, as per him he has the ownership document of the land in which the packing house has been built and the land allocated for the cold storage.

Fresh wastes management:

13. During the operation of packing house/packing house there are some fresh residue and left over of vegetable and some fruits remains from packing due to the quality issues thus, the packing house has a temporary damping site, the packing house has some arrangements with some individuals who takes the wastes out from the packing house and use it as feed for animals and those which is not suitable for usage discharges in the designated areas

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Contribution of packing house owner

14. During the meeting the project team (design engineer) thoroughly discussed on the 50% in cash contribution by the owner, in the meanwhile the owner declared his readiness and commitment for contribution.

Reported by: Wahdatullah Wardak, National Environmental Specialist

Meeting participants and photographs

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